Cyornis caerulatus
The Sunda Blue Flycatcher, *Cyornis caerulatus*, is a resplendent jewel of the Sundaic rainforests, captivating with its vibrant, deep blue plumage. Males are particularly striking, featuring brilliant cobalt-blue upperparts, a contrasting black face and lores forming a distinctive mask, and a rich blue throat and breast that fades to pristine white on the belly. Measuring approximately 14-15 cm in length and weighing between 13-16 grams, their slender build and long tail are characteristic o...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and submontane broadleaf evergreen forests, preferring dense understory and mid-story vegetation near streams or ravines, typically from sea level up to 1000 meters.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of small invertebrates, primarily insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and other small arthropods, which they catch by sallying and gleaning.
Sunda Blue Flycatchers are diurnal and typically observed singly or in pairs, maintaining a relatively low profile within their forest haunts. They are agile insectivores, employing a classic 'sally-glean' foraging strategy where they perch quietly before making short, swift flights to snatch ins...
The Sunda Blue Flycatcher is endemic to the Sundaic region of Southeast Asia, with its distribution restricted to the islands of Sumatra, Borneo (including Malaysian Borneo and Brunei Darussalam), and Belitung Island. This species is a non-migratory resident throughout its range, occupying primar...
Near Threatened
- The male Sunda Blue Flycatcher's vibrant blue plumage is structural, meaning the color is produced by the microscopic structure of the feathers, not by pigments. - Its name, 'Sunda,' refers to Sundaland, a biogeographical region of Southeast Asia, highlighting its endemic distribution. - Despit...