Fun Dark-sided Flycatcher Facts For Kids

The dark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica), also known as Siberian flycatcher, is a small bird species whose habitat has a large range map. It is mostly found in forests and mountains where there is a dense cover for them to build nests in. They breed in Siberia and parts of North America and are found all over India, Nepal, North Korea, northern Japan, and China. This bird has features that are typical to other flycatcher species such as the Asian brown flycatcher. They have a black colored bill which is used for feeding on insects. Their feathers are usually dark brown in color and have white streaks in them. Their undertail coverts also have a dark brown color. Interestingly, they have a white colored collar-like patch of feathers which continues into their white abdomen.

These birds are carnivorous and feed on all sorts of small insects. They are also migratory which means that they migrate to warmer places in the south during winter months! If you live in North America or Asia, you may spot one very easily by the color of its plumage.

For more relatable content, check out these great crested flycatcher facts and scissor-tailed flycatcher facts for kids.

What type of animal is a dark-sided flycatcher?

The dark-sided flycatcher is a bird that is fairly common within its range map.

What class of animal does a dark-sided flycatcher belong to?

This beautifully tiny bird belongs to the class of Aves and has properties that are typical to this class.

How many dark-sided flycatchers are there in the world?

There are no conclusive studies that can tell us the exact number of dark-sided flycatchers there are in the world. but their conservation status says that their population is stable and is not estimated to be endangered anytime soon.

Where does a dark-sided flycatcher live?

A dark-sided flycatcher bird is most likely to be found in areas that have a large forest cover. This species prefers evergreen forests for breeding, and can also be found near mountains and other lowland areas throughout the year. In the winter months, this bird sometimes migrates to warmer areas.

What is a dark-sided flycatcher's habitat?

These birds are most commonly spotted in India and North America, as well as North Korea, northern Japan, Nepal, China and the eastern Himalayas. They are known to spend the breeding season in Siberia, and are sometimes also spotted in North America. When it comes to migration, they travel towards the south during winter months.

Who do dark-sided flycatchers live with?

Dark-sided flycatchers are fairly territorial and solitary. They are not colonial birds and they live alone in their nests. If not alone, they are to be found sharing a nest with their mates.

How long does a dark-sided flycatcher live?

Although the exact lifespan of dark-sided flycatchers is not known, we know that the average lifespan of the family of Muscicapidae is around four to five years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season in this species extends from May to August. The dark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) or the Siberian flycatcher often engages in certain courtship activities when breeding is about to start. Males, for example, feed the females in order to court them.

The females of this species lay three to five eggs in their unique cup-shaped nest, and spends the entire incubation period with them. Dark-sided flycatcher bird eggs are pale green in color and the incubation period is about 11 days along, during which, the male bird feeds the female. When the eggs hatch, the baby birds are fed by both of their parents. The concept of equal parenting responsibilities is prevalent in birds too.

What is their conservation status?

According to the IUCN, the conservation status of dark-sided flycatcher birds is Least Concern. This status tells us that their population is stable across the range map of their habitat. These birds are not endangered by any man-made or natural hazards, and are definitely going to be around for a while.

What do dark-sided flycatcher look like?

The dark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) has features that are typical to the family of flycatchers or Muscicapidae. They can easily be confused with the related Asian brown flycatcher or least flycatcher. This bird species has a dark-brown or gray upper side, and pale gray or white abdomen and flanks. The feathers on their body can change color as they are worn out over the years. Fresh plumage is more vibrant as opposed to an old one which looks muddier and more pale. The undertail coverts have dark brown colored tips and create the most magnificent shade range.

These birds have a black bill and black legs. They usually perch on the mid-storey or high branches of trees as they look for insects to prey on. When they perch, they form a compact posture with their wings tucked inside which is a rather adorable sight.

How cute are they?

There is no doubt regarding the fact that dark-sided flycatcher birds are impeccably cute creatures. These compact creatures with a beautiful muted-toned plumage gives us a very sophisticated aura. In fact, the entire family of Muscicapidae has similar features, except the vermilion flycatcher which is red in color.

How do they communicate?

The dark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) has the most typical and soothing call. Their high-pitched call sounds like a 'chii-chii'. They usually engage in songs in the daytime and create the most beautiful environment.

How big is a dark-sided flycatcher ?

This bird species is fairly small. They range of their length is around 5.11-5.5 in (13-14 cm). If you want better comparison, a great horned owl is at least four times bigger than our friendly dark-sided flycatchers.

In spite of the small size, their wings are fairly long and have the span of about 8.6 in (22 cm) which allows them to be fair flyers.

How fast can a dark-sided flycatcher fly?

There is no evidence that can tell us the exact speed at which these birds can fly. However, it is known that they are fair flyers due to their size and wingspan.

How much does a dark-sided flycatcher weigh?

The dark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) is a fairly light bird species and its weight is about 0.3-0.4 oz (9-12 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no distinct names for male and female dark-sided flycatcher birds. We simply refer to them as a male dark-sided flycatcher and a female dark-sided flycatcher.

What would you call a baby dark-sided flycatcher ?

Baby dark-sided flycatcher birds are called nestlings.

What do they eat?

The family Muscicapidae is carnivorous and their diet strictly consists of insects that they can find while sallying on trees. This species of birds feeds on insects such as botflies and soldier beetles.

Are they dangerous?

Though these birds are territorial, they pose no threat to humans or other animals. They avoid colonies and live solitary lives among the trees where there are no threats.

Would they make a good pet?

While their small size and simple diet gives us the impression that they can be good pets, there are factors that prove otherwise. If kept as a pet, they would require a large cage so that they do not feel too confined which is a tough thing to achieve. They are also territorial and may become aggressive towards their neighbors. If you ask us, it is best to let them be in the wild and appreciate them from afar!

Did you know...

Flycatcher birds are named so since they only feed on flies and insects.

Do dark-sided flycatchers migrate?

The ark-sided flycatcher (Muscicapa sibirica) or Siberian flycatcher is a migratory bird species. They migrate towards the south during winter months.

How many eggs do dark-sided flycatchers lay?

A female dark-sided flycatcher lays around three to five eggs in each breeding season.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our Arctic tern facts and red bird of paradise facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Dark-sided flycatcher coloring pages.