Distribution and Habitat

Breeds in India, the Himalayas, Lake Baikal, Kamchatka, Ussuri, and northeastern China, wintering in Southeast Asia. Geographically divided into four subspecies. In Korea it is a common migrant in the flatlands or mountainous forests, and some are believed to breed in Gangwon-do Province.

Behavior

During the migration period, one or several birds often look for food keeping regular intervals of distance in between them. Unlike Sooty Flycatcher, they prefer bright spots on forest edges, and unlike Gray-streaked Flycatcher, they tend to sit on the inner branches often rather than being branches that are exposed. Sits on trees, wires, or small branches at the edge of the forest, fly lightly, catch insects, and return to their original positions.

Characteristic

The upper body is grayish brown. white frame around the eyes. The front of the eye is white. There is a very weak, indistinct brown pattern on the chest. The ower mandible is yellow. The first wing coverts are too short to reach the center of the tail. Lower tail coverts are white. In autumn, there are clear white feathers along the edges of the large wing coverts and the third wing coverts, making it easy to confuse them with Sooty Flycatcher.

Similar species

Sooty Flycatcher: The lower mandible is orange yellow. Gray brown stripes scattered on the chest and sides. Lower tail coverts with small brown spots on a white background.