Fun Nilgiri Flycatcher Facts For Kids

There are a total of 400 species of flycatchers in the world. The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is one species in this family and was previously known by their old Latin name, Muscicapa albicaudata. The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is endemic to the Western Ghats and Nilgiris in India. Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) birds are common residents and restricted to southern India and these birds extremely attractive in appearance with indigo to blue color.

The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is primarily an omnivore and feeds on both insects as well as fruits. The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is classified as a Least Concern species, however, their population is expected to decline further in the coming years. Threats apart from predators to this species include habitat loss and illegal encroachment which impact their populations. The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is an exotic species and should be protected. Reductions in forest cover can also impact the populations of this bird species to a great extent.

For more relatable content, check out these fact files on the great crested flycatcher and scissor-tailed flycatcher.

What type of animal is a Nilgiri flycatcher?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is a type of flycatcher bird and previously was known by its old Latin name, Muscicapa albicaudata. Its current scientific name is Eumyias albicaudatus.

What class of animal does a Nilgiri flycatcher belong to?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is a bird that belongs to the class Aves, the family Muscicapidae, and the genus Eumyias.

How many Nilgiri flycatchers are there in the world?

The exact population and distribution of Nilgiri flycatchers is not known. The population of Nilgiri flycatchers is expected to decline in the coming years due to the current threats. However, this can be brought under control by appropriate conservation efforts.

Where does a Nilgiri flycatcher live?

The Nilgiri flycatcher range is in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri regions in India. They are seen in forests, especially near higher hilly areas.

What is a Nilgiri flycatcher's habitat?

The Nilgiri flycatcher species habitat range constitutes forest and mountain ranges in the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri region. They are seen at an elevation range of 3937 ft (1200 m). They build nests on trees during the breeding season. They have year-round migration, although they are endemic to India.

Who does the Nilgiri flycatcher live with?

The Nilgiri flycatcher species is mostly solitary and these birds come together during the breeding season. The Nilgiri flycatcher bird is seldom seen near human settlements and prefers residing in the same hilly habitat range for the majority of the year.

How long does a Nilgiri flycatcher live?

The Nilgiri blue flycatcher's exact lifespan is not evaluated. The Vermilion flycatcher, a similar species, has an average lifespan of four to five years in the wild.

How do they reproduce?

Breeding season for these birds begins from March to June. Not much information about their courtship rituals is known. Adult birds build a nest with a cavity in an earth bank or a tree hole. They also make use of the eaves of houses. Female lays eggs in April and the eggs are mostly creamy brown in color. There are around two to three eggs per clutch. Juvenile birds reside in the nest until they are ready to fledge.  

What is their conservation status?

Nilgiri flycatcher birds are classified as Least Concern according to the International Union For Conservation Of Nature IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Nilgiri flycatcher range map showcasing their distribution tells us that they are mainly found in India.

What does the Nilgiri flycatcher look like?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is a small to medium-sized bird with an overall indigo blue color and a violet-blue color on their forehead and darker lores. Female flycatchers are relatively duller compared to male birds which are brightly colored. The base of the outer tail feathers is white. However, this is not visible if the bird sits. When moving, their tail flicks up and down and the wing feathers are dark brown. Juveniles are dark brown with a narrow outer fringe of blue. The eyes, bill, and legs are dark brown.

*Please note that this is an image of a Blue-and-white flycatcher a flycatcher family. If you have an image of Nilgiri flycatcher  please let us know at [email protected].

How cute are they?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is a cute bird with an overall indigo blue plumage. Males are more brightly colored compared to females; however, they both are equally appealing in appearance and exotic beings endemic to India. If you wish to see them, you will have to visit a region where their distribution and population is widely seen, including the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri region in India.

How do they communicate?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is an effective communicator. They have a song as well as a call and communicate, producing a high-pitched frequency with their feathers. These birds have regional accents when they communicate to other birds of their own kind.

How big is a Nilgiri flycatcher?

Nilgiri flycatcher birds are 5.1 in (13 cm) tall in height, excluding their tail which is two times taller than the coal tit, which is 3.9-4.5 in (10-11.5 cm) in height, excluding their tail.

How fast can a Nilgiri flycatcher fly?

Nilgiri flycatcher exact flying speed has not been recorded, however, these indigo to blue birds fly at moderately good speeds. They search for possible prey while in flight as well. When moving on a tree branch, their tail flicks up and down.

How much does a Nilgiri flycatcher weigh?

The Nilgiri flycatcher weighs 0.02-0.04 lb (12-19 g). The largest flycatcher is the Tyrant flycatcher.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Male and female flycatchers are not addressed separately. A male flycatcher has indigo to blue plumage, and females are slightly duller in color with white on their tail feathers. This is primarily due to sexual dimorphism and this bird also differs in reproductive functions.

What would you call a baby Nilgiri flycatcher?

A baby Nilgiri flycatcher bird is called a chick or a nestling, similar to other birds. The parent birds search for food for the young and take care of them until they are ready to fledge. They are dull when born but develop indigo to blue plumage over time.

What do they eat?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is an omnivore and feeds on both small invertebrates, including ants, worms, and other insects, as well as seeds and fruits. They search for food for their young and take it back to their nest until the young are ready to forage for food themselves.

Are they dangerous?

No, these birds are not dangerous. They seldom come near human settlements and are small birds whose instant response to danger is their flight instinct. Predators of this species include snakes and larger birds.

Would they make a good pet?

No, they are innately wild birds and best observed in their natural habitat. They seldom come near human settlements. If you wish to adopt pet birds, you should consider parrots or parakeet birds endemic to your region.  

Did you know..

The green humour Nilgiri flycatcher is known for its resemblance to the bird verditer flycatcher.

The verditer flycatcher, a species found in the Himalayas, is often confused with the Nilgiri flycatcher. However, if observed closely, there is a clear difference between the verditer flycatcher and the Nilgiri flycatcher. Verditer flycatchers have a dark-colored patch between the eyes and the base. Also the verditer flycatcher is a Near Threatened species. The verditer flycatcher is slightly bigger in size than the Nilgiri flycatcher.

The domestic chicken is a bird found in most regions of the world. Their average population is about 50 billion birds. These birds are found all over the world since they are accommodative towards various kinds of environments and bred for various purposes.

Do Nilgiri flycatchers migrate?

Nilgiri flycatcher birds migrate year-round. They move from regions with extreme climates to regions with tolerable climates, however, they inhabit the same regions for the most part. Most species of flycatcher birds migrate to different parts of the world.

Is the Nilgiri flycatcher endemic?

The Nilgiri flycatcher is endemic to the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri in India. If you wish to spot this species, it is best to visit a region where their population is wide such as the Western Ghats or Nilgiri in India. The Nilgiri flycatcher is an exotic bird that is a must-see for every bird watcher.

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 myna facts and coal tit facts pages.

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