Cerulean flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerulean flycatcher |
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| Cerulean flycatcher by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, 1888 | |
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| Genus: |
Eutrichomyias
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| Species: |
rowleyi
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The cerulean flycatcher (scientific name: Eutrichomyias rowleyi) is a beautiful bird known for its bright blue feathers. It is a medium-sized passerine bird, growing up to 18 centimeters long. This bird has a striking cerulean blue color, a white ring around its eyes, and a bluish-black bill. Its underside is a pale blue-grey. Young cerulean flycatchers have shorter tails and grey underparts.
This bird is the only species in its group, called a monotypic genus. Even though it looks a bit like a monarch flycatcher, it is actually related to the fantail birds.
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About the Cerulean Flycatcher's Name
The scientific name of the cerulean flycatcher, Eutrichomyias rowleyi, honors a British explorer and bird expert named George Dawson Rowley.
For a long time, this bird was known as the "cerulean paradise-flycatcher." It was thought to be part of the Monarchidae family. However, in 2017, scientists studied its DNA. They found out it was actually part of the fantail family, Rhipiduridae. Because of this discovery, the IOC changed its official name to simply "cerulean flycatcher."
Where the Cerulean Flycatcher Lives
The cerulean flycatcher is a very special bird because it is endemic to just one place: Sangihe Island. This island is located off the coast of North Sulawesi in Indonesia.
For many years, people only knew about this bird from a single specimen collected way back in 1873. It was thought to be lost forever! But then, in October 1998, this rare bird was found again. It was spotted in the forested valleys around Mount Sahendaruman in the southern part of Sangihe.
What the Cerulean Flycatcher Eats
The cerulean flycatcher mainly eats insects. It also enjoys other small invertebrates, which are tiny creatures without backbones.
Why the Cerulean Flycatcher is Endangered
The cerulean flycatcher is in great danger. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means it is very close to disappearing forever.
There are a few main reasons why this bird is so threatened:
- Habitat Loss: The forests where it lives are shrinking. People are clearing land, which means the birds lose their homes.
- Small Population: There are not many cerulean flycatchers left in the world.
- Limited Range: Since it only lives on one small island, any threat to that area can have a huge impact on the entire species.
Protecting its habitat on Sangihe Island is very important to help this beautiful blue bird survive.
