Asian brown flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asian brown flycatcher |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Muscicapa
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| Species: |
dauurica
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| Subspecies | |
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M. d. dauurica |
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| Synonyms | |
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Muscicapa latirostris (Raffles, 1822) |
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The Asian brown flycatcher (scientific name: Muscicapa dauurica) is a small bird. It belongs to the flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. These birds are known for catching insects.
Its name, Muscicapa, comes from Latin words. Musca means 'fly' and capere means 'to catch'. The name dauurica refers to Dauria. This is a region in Siberia, named after a local tribe.
This bird loves to eat insects. It breeds in places like Japan, eastern Siberia, and the Himalayas. When winter comes, it flies south. It spends winter in warm parts of Asia. This includes southern India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
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What Does the Asian Brown Flycatcher Look Like?
This bird is about 13 centimeters (5 inches) long. This measurement includes its tail, which it often holds up. It looks a bit like the larger spotted flycatcher. However, the Asian brown flycatcher has a longer tail.
Its beak is dark and quite wide at the bottom. Adult birds have grey-brown feathers on their backs. These feathers become greyer as the bird gets older. Their undersides are whitish. The sides of their bodies have a brownish tint. Young birds look different. They have scaly brown patterns on their backs, heads, and chests.
Where Do Asian Brown Flycatchers Live?
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Asian brown flycatchers live in different areas. Scientists sometimes group them into different types. These types are called subspecies. Most Asian brown flycatchers belong to the main group, called dauurica.
However, some experts think birds in India and the Andaman Islands are a separate subspecies. They call this group poonensis. These birds might be paler and browner. They may also have a deeper beak. Their throats and chests might look more mottled.
How Do Asian Brown Flycatchers Behave?
The Asian brown flycatcher is a common bird. You can find it in open woodlands and farms. It builds its nest in a hole in a tree. The female bird lays about four eggs. She also sits on the eggs to keep them warm.
During courtship, the male bird sings a simple, pretty song. This helps him attract a mate. These birds are also affected by tiny insects. A type of chewing louse, called Philopterus davuricae, can live on them.
Where Else Do They Fly?
Sometimes, an Asian brown flycatcher flies far from its usual home. It might appear in Western Europe. This is very rare. Records show sightings in countries like Britain, Denmark, and Sweden.
For example, in 2007, a young brown flycatcher was seen in Flamborough Head, England. Many birdwatchers came to see it. This was likely the first confirmed sighting in Britain. Other sightings have been reported, but they were not always confirmed.
See Also
- List of birds of India
Images for kids
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Asian brown flycatcher in Mai Po, Hong Kong
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Asian brown flycatcher
