Little Slaty Flycatcher

Overview

The little slaty flycatcher (Ficedula basilanica) is a vulnerable species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is a secretive and solitary bird restricted to the islands of the Philippines.

Identification

• Males display slaty-grey plumage, while females are light brown.
• Subspecies exhibit distinct differences in ear patch size and head/tail colouration, with F. b. samarensis having a more prominent white ear patch and darker head than F. b. basilanica.
• Generally hidden in low and dense foliage, making visual identification challenging.

Habitat

Found on Mindanao, Leyte, Samar, Dinagat and Basilan in the Philippines, with recent records absent from some of these locations. It inhabits tropical moist lowland primary and secondary forests up to 1,200 meters above sea level, typically near the forest floor and low understory.

Diet

Feeds on small invertebrates and insects, though its specific diet is largely unknown.

Did you know?

Breeding habits are poorly understood, but one observed nest was constructed from roots and leaves and contained two eggs.