Kashmir Flycatcher
NameKashmir Flycatcher
Common NameKashmir Flycatcher
Scientific NameFicedula subrubra
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)19.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a distinctive slate-grey head and nape, a prominent white eye-ring, and a vibrant rufous-orange throat and breast that sharply contrasts with a pure white belly and undertail-coverts. The back and wings are brownish-grey, and the dark tail features white outer tail feathers. Females are duller, with brownish-grey upperparts and a buffy-orange wash on the throat and breast.
Vocalization / CallThe call is a soft 'tseet' or 'tsip'. Its song is a short, sweet, and warbling phrase.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds in the western Himalayas, primarily in the Kashmir region of India and Pakistan. It migrates south to winter in the Western Ghats of southern India and the hill country of Sri Lanka.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Male's slate-grey head and bright rufous-orange throat/breast, White belly, White eye-ring (more prominent in males), White outer tail feathers
Description
This small, migratory flycatcher is known for the male's striking plumage of a slate-grey head, bright rufous-orange throat and breast, and a contrasting white belly. It breeds in the high-altitude forests of the western Himalayas and winters in the forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. It is an active insectivore, often seen darting from perches to catch prey.
