Narcissus Flycatcher: A Jewel of the Eastern Forests
The Narcissus Flycatcher, Ficedula narcissina, is one of East Asia’s most vibrant and charming songbirds, cherished for its brilliant plumage and melodious song. Named after the daffodil (genus Narcissus) for its bright yellow coloring, this flycatcher is a seasonal spectacle in the forests of East Asia, captivating birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.
Distribution and Habitat
The Narcissus Flycatcher is native to eastern Asia. It breeds primarily in the temperate forests of Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and parts of the Russian Far East. During the winter months, it migrates to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula.
This bird prefers broadleaf deciduous or mixed forests during the breeding season. It thrives in undisturbed woodlands with dense foliage, which offer ample insects for feeding and tree cavities for nesting.
Physical Description
The male Narcissus Flycatcher is especially eye-catching. In breeding plumage, it displays:
A jet-black back, head, and wings, providing a dramatic contrast to
A vivid yellow throat, breast, and belly
A bright yellow to orange eyebrow stripe
A white wing patch and tail spots
Females and juveniles are much more subdued in coloration, typically brownish-gray above with pale underparts and faint yellow on the breast, making them harder to spot in the foliage.
The bird is small and agile, measuring about 13 to 14 cm in length.
Song and Vocalizations
Male Narcissus Flycatchers are known for their sweet, whistling song, which they use to establish territories and attract mates. Their song is a series of clear, fluty notes that echo through the forest during the breeding season. Each male has a repertoire of songs, often singing persistently from a high perch.
Diet and Foraging
As its name suggests, the Narcissus Flycatcher is an insectivore. It primarily feeds on:
Flying insects such as moths, flies, and beetles
Caterpillars and spiders
Occasionally, small berries or other fruit during migration
It employs the typical flycatcher strategy of sallying—darting out from a perch to snatch prey mid-air before returning to its vantage point.
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