Narcissus flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narcissus flycatcher |
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| Male in Osaka, Japan | |
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| Female in Hanoi, Vietnam | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ficedula
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| Species: |
narcissina
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| Breeding ranges of species within the complex. The wintering zone indicated is for F. zanthopygia alone. | |
The narcissus flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina) is a small passerine bird, which means it's a type of songbird. It belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. This bird lives in the eastern part of Asia, from Sakhalin in the north, across Japan, Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan. When winter comes, it flies south to warmer places like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Borneo.
This bird is a strong migratory traveler. It has even been seen far from its usual home, like in Australia to the south and Alaska to the north!
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
Male narcissus flycatchers are very colorful, especially during their breeding season. They have a black top of the head and back. Their throat is a bright orange, fading to a lighter color on their chest and belly. They also have a cool orange-yellow stripe above their eye. Their wings are black with a white patch, and their lower back (rump) is orange-yellow. Their tail is black.
Males that are not breeding might have different amounts of yellow on their bodies. Female narcissus flycatchers look quite different from the males. They are mostly a dull buff-brown color. Their wings have a rusty color, and they have a two-toned ring around their eyes.
What Do They Eat and Where Do They Live?
Narcissus flycatchers mostly eat insects. They like to live in forests where trees lose their leaves in the fall, called deciduous woodlands.
During the breeding season, male narcissus flycatchers sing beautiful, repeated whistles. It's how they attract a mate!
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Narcissus flycatchers arrive in Southeast Asia around early May to start their mating season. The male birds usually arrive before the females. They get busy preparing a nest. This nest is important for attracting a female and also provides a safe place for their future chicks. Older males often arrive earlier than younger males because they know the routine well.
Why Is It Called "Narcissus"?
The name of this bird comes from the narcissus flower. Many types of narcissus flowers are yellow, just like the bright yellow and orange colors you see on the male narcissus flycatcher.
