- general description
- appearance
- the grey-headed canary-flycatcher is a small bird with a distinctive appearance.
- it has a grey head, contrasting sharply with its bright yellow underparts and olive-green upperparts.
- the tail is relatively long and dark, often flicked upwards in a characteristic manner.
- the eyes are dark, and the bill is fine and slightly hooked at the tip, adapted for catching insects.
- size
- measures about 12-14 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 8-10 grams.
- behavior
- known for its active and restless behavior, often seen flitting through the canopy and mid-levels of forests.
- it frequently flicks its tail and wings, especially while perched, giving it a distinctive look.
- has a high-pitched, melodious song that consists of a series of whistles and trills, often heard in its habitat.
- habitat
- range
- found across south asia and southeast asia, including india, sri lanka, bangladesh, myanmar, thailand, malaysia, indonesia, and parts of southern china.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of forested environments, including evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and forest edges.
- often found in hilly or montane regions, typically at elevations ranging from lowland forests up to 2,500 meters.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of insects, including flies, beetles, and moths.
- catches prey in flight with agile aerial maneuvers or by gleaning from leaves and branches.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a cup-shaped nest made of moss, grass, and other plant fibers, usually placed on a tree branch, in a crevice, or among roots.
- nests are often well-concealed and sometimes attached to the side of a mossy trunk or rock face.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the warmer months when insects are plentiful.
- female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 14-18 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the grey-headed canary-flycatcher is named for its flycatcher-like hunting style and canary-like yellow plumage.
- it is often seen in mixed-species flocks, where it can be quite vocal and active.
- its habit of flicking its tail and wings makes it easy to identify, even when it is moving quickly through dense foliage.