Brown-breasted flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown-breasted flycatcher |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Muscicapa
|
| Species: |
muttui
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Alseonax muttui |
|
The brown-breasted flycatcher (Muscicapa muttui) is a small bird from the flycatcher family. It's also known as Layard's flycatcher. These birds are famous for catching insects while flying! They live in parts of Asia, including northeastern India, China, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand.
When winter arrives, many of them fly south. They travel to warmer places like southern India and Sri Lanka. They usually look for food low down in the forest, often near the ground.
Contents
What Does the Brown-Breasted Flycatcher Look Like?
The brown-breasted flycatcher is a small bird. It is about 13 to 14 centimeters long. That's roughly the length of a pen! It weighs between 10 and 14 grams. This is about the same as a few paper clips.
Its upper body is mostly olive-brown. Some of its feathers have darker centers. The feathers near its tail are a brighter reddish-brown. The edges of its flight feathers also have a reddish-brown color.
Around its eyes, it has a clear, pale ring. Its chin and throat are white. The chest and sides of its body are light brown. The middle of its belly down to its vent (where waste exits) is a creamy white color.
You might notice faint lines below its beak. These lines separate the white chin. Its legs and the lower part of its beak are a pale, flesh color. This bird looks a lot like the Asian brown flycatcher. However, the Asian brown flycatcher has black legs, not pale ones.
How Did It Get Its Name?
This bird was named by a person called Edgar Leopold Layard. He named it after his servant, Muttu. Muttu was the one who brought him the first bird specimen.
Where Do Brown-Breasted Flycatchers Live?
These birds breed in several places. This includes northeastern India, central and southern China, and northern Myanmar and Thailand. When winter comes, they migrate. This means they fly to warmer areas. They travel to southern India and Sri Lanka.
Scientists believe the birds that spend winter in southern India and Sri Lanka come from northeastern India and northern Thailand. This is based on their observations.
What Sounds Do They Make?
The brown-breasted flycatcher has a very soft call. It sounds like a faint tseet. You can only hear it if you are very close to the bird. Sometimes, they make a series of notes. This sounds like chi-chi-chi-chi. It often ends with a low chit-chit.
