Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers
The Muscicapidae (Old World flycatchers) are a large family of small passerines mostly restricted to the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia) with the exception of several vagrants and two species, Bluethroat Luscinia svecica and Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, which are also found in North America.
The family are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.
The large family includes 357 species and is divided into 57 genera.
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White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps |
Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri |
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Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka |
White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus |
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All photos on this page courtesy of ©Dubi Shapiro |
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The name Muscicapa for the family was introduced (1822) by the Scottish naturalist John Fleming, although the word had earlier (1760) been used for the genus Muscicapa by the French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson. Muscicapa comes from the Latin musca meaning a fly and capere, meaning to catch.
East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi
Arnott’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti
The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. They are small to medium birds, ranging from 9 to 22 cm in length. Many species are dull brown in colour, but the plumage of some can be much brighter, especially in the males. Most have broad, flattened bills suited to catching insects in flight, although the few ground-foraging species typically have finer bills.
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata
Swynnerton’s Robin Swynnertonia swynnertoni
However, the Old-World flycatchers at the core of this group are upright-postured birds, a surprising number of which catch their prey by gleaning or pouncing on insects on the ground as well as sallying into mid-air. Although some have the dorso-ventrally flattened bills that we associate with flycatching in other flycatchers, most do not.
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula erithacus
Many species in this family are little ground birds, most of which are more lightly built than the Turdidae.
Indochinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis sumatrensis
Scattered across this group of largely earth-coloured or black-and-white birds are many shades of blue.
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White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys |
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica |
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Przevalski’s Redstart Phoenicurus alaschanicus |
Olive-flanked Ground Robin Dressonornis anomalus |
Muscicapidae live in almost every environment with a suitable supply of trees, from dense forest to open scrub, and even the montane woodland of the Himalayas. The more northerly species migrate south in winter, ensuring a continuous diet of insects.
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris
Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.
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Number of bird species: 350
(As at November 2025)
According to then recently (2025) amalgamated AviList, there are three hundred & fifty species of Chats & Old World Flycatchers; the in fifty-seven genera in the Muscicapidae family. They are:
White-tailed Alethe Alethe diademata
Fire-crested Alethe Alethe castanea
Karoo Scrub Robin Tychaedon coryphoeus
Forest Scrub Robin Tychaedon leucosticta
Brown Scrub Robin Tychaedon signata
Bearded Scrub Robin Tychaedon quadrivirgata
Miombo Scrub Robin Tychaedon barbata
Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena
Brown-backed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas hartlaubi
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
Indian Robin Copsychus fulicatus
Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis
Rufous-tailed Shama Copsychus pyrropygus
Madagascan Magpie-Robin Copsychus albospecularis
Seychelles Magpie-Robin Copsychus sechellarum
Philippine Magpie-Robin Copsychus mindanensis
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Sri Lanka Shamma Copsychus leggei
White-crowned Shama Copsychus stricklandii
Maratua Shama Copsychus barbouri
Kangean Shama Copsychus nigricauda
Andaman Shama Copsychus albiventris
Larwo Shama Copsychus omissus
White-browed Shama Copsychus luzoniensis
Visayan Shama Copsychus supercilliaris
White-vented Shama Copsychus niger
Black Shama Copsychus cebuensis
Chat Flycatcher Agricola infuscatus
Pale Flycatcher Agricola pallidus
White-browed Forest Flycatcher Fraseria cinerascens
Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata
Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria griseigularis
Grey Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria plumbea
Olivaceous Flycatcher Fraseria olivascens
Chapin’s Flycatcher Fraseria lendu
Tessmann’s Flycatcher Fraseria tessmanni
Ashy Flycatcher Fraseria caerulescens
Herero Chat Namibornis herero
Silverbird Empidornis semipartitus
Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus
Nimba Flycatcher Melaenornis annamarulae
Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri
Angolan Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis brunneus
Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis chocolatinus
Böhm’s Flycatcher Myopornis boehmi
Ussher’s Flycatcher Artomyias ussheri
Sooty Flycatcher Artomyias infuscata
Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis
African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus
Humblot’s Flycatcher Humblotia flavirostris
Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta
Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea
Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
Ashy-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa randi
Sumba Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa segregata
Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui
Sulawesi Streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa sodhii
Brown-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa williamsoni
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta
Little Grey Flycatcher Muscicapa epulata
Yellow-footed Flycatcher Muscicapa sethsmithi
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Gambaga Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae
Cassin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica
White-tailed Flycatcher Leucoptilon concretum
Nilgiri Blue Robin Sholicola major
White-bellied Blue Robin Sholicola albiventris
Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Small Niltava Niltava macgrigoriae
Fujian Niltava Niltava davidi
Rufous-bellied Niltava Niltava sundara
Rufous-vented Niltava Niltava sumatrana
Chinese Viviv Niltava Niltava oatesi
Taiwan Vivid Niltava Niltava vivida
Zappey’s Flycatcher Cyanoptila cumatilis
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana
Martinan Blue Flycatcher Eumyias sanfordi
Blue-fronted Blue Flycatcher Eumyias hoevelli
Timor Blue Flycatcher Eumyias hyacinthinus
Flores Jungle Flycatcher Eumyias oscillans
Sumba Jungle Flycatcher Eumyias stresemanni
Dull-blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordidus
Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus
Indigo Flycatcher Eumyias indigo
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Streak-breasted Jungle Flycatcher Eumyias additus
Turquoise Flycatcher Eumyias panayensis
Rufous-browed Flycatcher Anthipes solitaris
White-gorgeted Flycatcher Anthipes monileger
Rück’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis ruckii
Blue-breasted Blue Flycatcher Cyornis herioti
Rufous-breasted Blue Flycatcher Cyornis camarinensis
Hainan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis hainanus
White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes
Pale-chinned Blue Flycatcher Cyornis poliogenys
Pale Blue Flycatcher Cyornis unicolor
Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rubeculoides
Chinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis glaucicomans
Large Blue Flycatcher Cyornis magnirostris
Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis whitei
Hill Blue Flycatcher Cyornis banyumas
Meratus Blue Flycatcher Cyornis kadayangensis
Sunda Blue Flycatcher Cyornis caerulatus
Malaysian Blue Flycatcher Cyornis turcosus
Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri
Bornean Blue Flycatcher Cyornis superbus
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
Indochinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis sumatrensis
Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra
Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher Cyornis omissus
Kalao Blue Flycatcher Cyornis kalaoensis
Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis brunneatus
Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis nicobaricus
Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis umbratilis
Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis olivaceus
Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis ruficauda
Sulu Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis ocularis
Crocker Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis ruficrissa
Banggai Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis pelingensis
Henna-tailed Jungle Flycatcher Cyornis colonus
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
Swynnerton’s Robin Swynnertonia swynnertoni
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata
Olive-backed Forest Robin Stiphrornis pyrrholaemus
Orange-breasted Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Yellow-breasted Forest Robin Stiphrornis mabirae
White-bellied Robin-Chat Cossyphicula roberti
Mountain Robin-Chat Cossyphicula isabellae
Brown-chested Alethe Chamaetylas poliocephala
Red-throated Alethe Chamaetylas poliophrys
Thyolo Alethe Chamaetylas choloensis
White-chested Alethe Chamaetylas fuelleborni
Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat Cossypha cyanocampter
Rüppell’s Robin-Chat Cossypha semirufa
White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini
Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa
White-headed Robin-Chat Cossypha heinrichi
Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla
White-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha albicapillus
Collared Palm Thrush Cichladusa arquata
Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush Cichladusa ruficauda
Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata
Angola Cave Chat Xenocopsychus ansorgei
Archer’s Ground Robin Dressonornis archeri
Olive-flanked Ground Robin Dressonornis anomalus
Cape Robin-Chat Dressonornis caffra
White-throated Robin-Chat Dressonornis humeralis
Grey-winged Robin-Chat Sheppardia polioptera
Short-tailed Akalat Sheppardia poensis
Bocage’s Akalat Sheppardia bocagei
Lowland Akalat Sheppardia cyornithopsis
Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis
Sharpe’s Akalat Sheppardia sharpei
East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi
Gabela Akalat Sheppardia gabela
Usambara Akalat Sheppardia montana
Iringa Akalat Sheppardia lowei
Rubeho Akalat Sheppardia aurantiithorax
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis
Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia
Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
White-bellied Redstart Luscinia phaenicuroides
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
Firethroat Calliope pectardens
Blackthroat Calliope obscura
Siberian Rubythroat Calliope calliope
White-tailed Rubythroat Calliope pectoralis
Chinese Rubythroat Calliope tschebaiewi
White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura
Sumatran Blue Robin Myiomela sumatrana
Javan Blue Robin Myiomela diana
Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri
White-crowned Forktail Enicurus leschenaulti
Bornean Forktail Enicurus borneensis
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
Sunda Forktail Enicurus velatus
Chestnut-naped Forktail Enicurus ruficapillus
Black-backed Forktail Enicurus immaculatus
Slaty-backed Forktail Enicurus schistaceus
Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale
Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush Myophonus blighi
Shiny Whistling Thrush Myophonus melanurus
Javan Whistling Thrush Myophonus glaucinus
Brown-winged Whistling Thrush Myophonus castaneus
Bornean Whistling Thrush Myophonus borneensis
Malayan Whistling Thrush Myophonus robinsoni
Malabar Whistling Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii
Taiwan Whistling Thrush Myophonus insularis
Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Great Shortwing Heinrichia calligyna
Bagobo Babbler Leonardina woodi
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella gularis
White-browed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella insignis
White-throated Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella albigularis
Slaty-backed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella goodfellowi
Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea
Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane
Japanese Robin Larvivora akahige
Izu Robin Larvivora tanensis
Ryukyu Robin Larvivora komadori
Okinawa Robin Larvivora namiyei
Rufous-tailed Robin Larvivora sibilans
Rufous-headed Robin Larvivora ruficeps
Rusty-bellied Shortwing Brachypteryx hyperythra
Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris
Himalayan Shortwing Brachypteryx cruralis
Chinese Shortwing Brachypteryx sinensis
Taiwan Shortwing Brachypteryx goodfellowi
Philippine Shortwing Brachypteryx poliogyna
Bornean Shortwing Brachypteryx erythrogyna
Sumatran Shortwing Brachypteryx saturata
Javan Shortwing Brachypteryx montana
Flores Shortwing Brachypteryx floris
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia
Green-backed Flycatcher Ficedula elisae
Narcissus Flycatcher Ficedula narcissina
Ryukyu Flycatcher Ficedula owstoni
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula erithacus
Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra
Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor
Damar Flycatcher Ficedula henrici
Pygmy Flycatcher Ficedula hodgsonii
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula strophiata
Sapphire Flycatcher Ficedula sapphira
Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris
Little Pied Flycatcher Ficedula westermanni
Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Ficedula ruficauda
Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla
Atlas Pied Flycatcher Ficedula speculigera
Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Black-and-orange Flycatcher Ficedula nigrorufa
Tanimbar Flycatcher Ficedula riedeli
Rufous-chested Flycatcher Ficedula dumetoria
Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae
Furtive Flycatcher Ficedula disposita
Rufous-throated Flycatcher Ficedula rufigula
Cinnamon-chested Flycatcher Ficedula buruensis
Lompobattang Flycatcher Ficedula bonthaina
Black-banded Flycatcher Ficedula timorensis
Sumba Flycatcher Ficedula harterti
Little Slaty Flycatcher Ficedula basilanica
Cryptic Flycatcher Ficedula crypta
Bundok Flycatcher Ficedula luzoniensis
Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus
Qilian Bluetail Tarsiger albocoeruleus
Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus
Rufous-breasted Bush Robin Tarsiger hyperythrus
White-browed Bush Robin Tarsiger indicus
Taiwan Bush Robin Tarsiger formosanus
Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus
Collared Bush Robin Tarsiger johnstoniae
Gould’s Shortwing Heteroxenicus stellatus
Eversmann’s Redstart Phoenicurus erythronotus
Przevalski’s Redstart Phoenicurus alaschanicus
Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis
Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus coeruleocephala
White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps
White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Luzon Water Redstart Phoenicurus bicolor
Plumbeous Water Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus
Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
Hodgson’s Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Güldenstädt’s Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastrus
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhyncha
Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris
White-throated Rock Thrush Monticola gularis
Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes
Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator
Littoral Rock Thrush Monticola imerina
Forest Rock Thrush Monticola sharpei
Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinereus
Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
White-winged Cliff Chat Monticola semirufus
Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris
Miombo Rock Thrush Monticola angolensis
Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris
Jerdon’s Bush Chat Saxicola jerdoni
Grey Bush Chat Saxicola ferreus
White-bellied Bush Chat Saxicola gutturalis
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
White-browed Bush Chat Saxicola macrorhynchus
Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata
White-throated Bush Chat Saxicola insignis
White-tailed Stonechat Saxicola leucurus
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus
Reunion Stonechat Saxicola tectes
African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
Canary Islands Stonechat Saxicola dacotiae
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus
Sickle-winged Chat Emarginata sinuata
Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii
Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac
Moorland Chat Pinarochroa sordida
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla nigra
Anteater Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops
Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
Congo Moor Chat Myrmecocichla tholloni
Mountain Wheatear Myrmecocichla monticola
Rüppell’s Black Chat Myrmecocichla melaena
Arnott’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Western Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca
Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca
Atlas Wheatear Oenanthe seebohmi
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae
Rusty-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe frenata
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
Heuglin’s Wheatear Oenanthe heuglini
Somali Wheatear Oenanthe phillipsi
White-fronted Black Chat Oenanthe albifrons
Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta
Blackstart Oenanthe melanura
Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris
Sombre Rock Chat Oenanthe dubia
Brown-tailed Rock Chat Oenanthe scotocerca
Brown Rock Chat Oenanthe fusca
Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata
Hume’s Wheatear Oenanthe albonigra
Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii
Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
Kurdish Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe chrysopygia
Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura
White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga
Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides
Abyssinian Wheatear Oenanthe lugubris
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The Life of the Robin
| By David Lack | Pallas Athene | 2016 | Paperback | 283 pages, 7 b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9781843681304 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Nightingale
| By Sam Lee | Penguin | 2023 | 228 pages, colour & b/w photos, colour & b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9781804942291 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Pied Flycatcher
| By Arne Lundberg and Rauno V Alatalo | T & AD Poyser Ltd (A & C Black) | 2010 | Hardback | 267 pages, B/w photos, figs, tabs | ISBN: 9781408137802 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Wheatears of the Palaearctic: Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution of the Genus Oenanthe
| By EN Panov | Pensoft Publishers | 2005 | 439 pages, figs, maps, illus, tabs | ISBN: 9789546422262 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Muscicapidae
Family AccountMuscicapids are primarily monogamous with biparental care. -
Muscicapidae
Family AccountThe Old World flycatchers are a large family, the Muscicapidae, of small passerine birds restricted to the Old World (Europe, Africa and Asia)
Given the number of species in this family, Fatbirder does not provide quick links to all of them. However, the entries below do include links to representatives of every genera, all those illustrated and some of the most often encountered, iconic or sought-after species.
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African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus
Species AccountA very plain gray-brown flycatcher of dry country. Note the distinct dark streaks on the crown and the dirty grayish underparts. -
African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Angola Cave Chat Xenocopsychus ansorgei
Species AccountLong-tailed, black-and-white chat. Note the mostly white outer tail. Found in thick woodland on rocky hillsides, where it is elusive and skulky. -
Angola Cave Chat Xenocopsychus ansorgei
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Arnott’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti
Species AccountChunky black chat with a huge white wing patch. The male has a white cap, and the female a messy white throat patch. -
Arnott’s Chat Myrmecocichla arnotti
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Atlas Wheatear Saxicola stapazina
Species AccountThe black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) is a wheatear, a small migratory passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher (family Muscicapidae). -
Atlas Wheatear Saxicola stapazina
Species StatusSound archive & distribution map -
Bagobo Babbler Leonardina woodi
Species AccountA seldom-seen medium-sized ground bird of foothill and montane forest on Mindanao. -
Bagobo Babbler Leonardina woodi
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Species AccountThe black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small passerine bird in the redstart genus Phoenicurus. Like its relatives, it was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family (Turdidae), but is now known to be an Old World flycatcher (Muscicapidae). -
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Species AccountThe blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) is a species of chat. -
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Species AccountThe blue whistling thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) is a bird in the Old World flycatchers family Muscicapidae that is found in the mountains of Central Asia... -
Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana
Species AccountAdult male is strikingly beautiful, with royal blue upperparts, white belly, and black face, throat, and breast... -
Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale
Species AccountThe blue-fronted robin (Cinclidium frontale) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Cinclidium. -
Blue-fronted Robin Cinclidium frontale
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Brown-chested Alethe Chamaetylas poliocephala
Species AccountThe brown-chested alethe (Chamaetylas poliocephala) is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. -
Brown-chested Alethe Chamaetylas poliocephala
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus
Species AccountThe buff-streaked chat or buff-streaked bushchat (Campicoloides bifasciatus) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae -
Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Böhm’s Flycatcher Myopornis boehmi
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Böhm’s Flycatcher Myopornis boehmi
Species AccountBöhm's flycatcher (Myopornis boehmi) is a species of passerine bird in the Old world flycatcher family Muscicapidae. -
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa
Species AccountA large robin-chat with fiery underparts and an all-dark face that lacks a white eyebrow. -
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Collared Bush Robin Tarsiger Johnstoniae
Species AccountMale is unmistakable, with a glowing silver supercilium, black hood, and fiery orange shoulder and collar. -
Collared Bush Robin Tarsiger Johnstoniae
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Species AccountThe collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family, one of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers. It breeds in southeast Europe (isolated populations in the islands of Gotland and Oland in the Baltic Sea, Sweden) and southwest Asia and is migratory, wintering in sub Sahara Africa. It is a rare vagrant in western Europe. -
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Species AccountThe desert wheatear (Oenanthe deserti) is a wheatear, a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher (Muscicapidae). -
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi
Species AccountThe east coast akalat or Gunning's robin (Sheppardia gunningi) is a small passerine bird which can be found in the east of Africa from Kenya to Mozambique. -
European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Species AccountBreeds in shady, mixed and deciduous woodland, especially with oaks. -
European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
Species AccountThe European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in the British Isles -
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Species AccountPerky little bird of open country, especially heathland with gorse, moorland, weedy meadows, scrubby marsh margins... -
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella gularis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher Vauriella gularis
Species AccountThe eyebrowed jungle flycatcher (Vauriella gularis) is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. -
Fire-crested Alethe Alethe castanea
Species AccountThe fire-crested alethe (Alethe castanea) is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found in central Africa, from Nigeria... -
Fire-crested Alethe Alethe castanea
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens
Species AccountThe fiscal flycatcher (Sigelus silens) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is the only species placed in the genus Sigelus. -
Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Gould’s Shortwing Heteroxenicus stellatus
Species AccountBizarrely for the cover-loving shortwings, this species breeds on treeless alpine slopes, where it takes shelter behind boulders instead of leaves. -
Gould’s Shortwing Heteroxenicus stellatus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Great Shortwing Heinrichia calligyna
Species AccountThe great shortwing (Heinrichia calligyna) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, and the only member of its genus. -
Great Shortwing Heinrichia calligyna
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Herero Chat Namibornis herero
Species AccountThe Herero chat (Namibornis herero) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, the chats and Old World flycatchers. -
Herero Chat Namibornis herero
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Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus
Species AccountSpecies Account -
Himalayan Bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Humblot’s Flycatcher Humblotia flavirostris
Species AccountHumblot's flycatcher (Humblotia flavirostris) or the Grand Comore flycatcher, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. -
Humblot’s Flycatcher Humblotia flavirostris
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea
Species AccountMale is slaty-blue with a white eyebrow, dark face, and orange underparts. -
Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Indochinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis sumatrensis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Indochinese Blue Flycatcher Cyornis sumatrensis
Species AccountAttractive long-tailed flycatcher with an orange throat and breast. Male is ocean blue above, with a darker face and brighter orange on the underparts. -
Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii
Species AccountA large, slender, long-tailed gray chat with bold white outer tail feathers that frame the black tail. -
Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Karoo Scrub Robin Tychaedon coryphoeus
Species AccountA drab, gray-brown scrub-robin with bold white tail tips, eyebrow, and throat markings. Pairs are active and noisy in dry scrubby thickets and arid brush. -
Karoo Scrub Robin Tychaedon coryphoeus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Species AccountThe large niltava (Niltava grandis) is a species of bird in the Old world flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia... -
Large Niltava Niltava grandis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris
Species AccountA small ground-hugging bird found in areas with dense cover, usually near moving water. -
Lesser Shortwing Brachypteryx leucophris
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Madagascar Magpie-robin Copsychus albospecularis
Species AccountThe Madagascan magpie-robin (Copsychus albospecularis) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. -
Madagascar Magpie-robin Copsychus albospecularis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Species AccountThe mocking cliff chat, mocking chat or cliff chat, (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) is a species of chat in the family Muscicapidae... -
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Moorland Chat Pinarochroa sordida
Species AccountA small, drab, dumpy, long-legged, short-tailed chat of high-elevation habitats. The tail has a black-and-white “T” pattern that is conspicuous in flight. -
Moorland Chat Pinarochroa sordida
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Mountain Robin-Chat Cossyphicula isabellae
Species AccountA fairly plain brown-and-orange robin-chat with a white eyebrow and a dark face. As in most robin-chats, the tail has a dark center and orange edges. -
Mountain Robin-Chat Cossyphicula isabellae
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri
Species AccountSmall redstart. Male is unmistakable with an orange throat and underparts, a bold white head stripe from the forehead down to the neck sides,... -
Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki
Species AccountThe mugimaki flycatcher (Ficedula mugimaki) is a small passerine bird of eastern Asia belonging to the genus Ficedula in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The name "mugimaki" comes from Japanese and means "wheat-sower".[2] The bird is also known as the robin flycatcher. -
Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Nightingale Luscinia magarhynchos
Species AccountThe common nightingale or simply nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos), also known as rufous nightingale, is a small passerine bird best known for its powerful and beautiful song. It was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae.[2] It belongs to a group of more terrestrial species, often called chats. -
Nightingale Luscinia magarhynchos
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Nilgiri Blue Robin Sholicola major
Species AccountThe Nilgiri blue robin (Sholicola major), also known as Nilgiri shortwing, white-bellied shortwing, Nilgiri sholakili or rufous-bellied shortwing is a species... -
Nilgiri Blue Robin Sholicola major
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Olive-flanked Ground Robin Dressonornis anomalus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Olive-flanked Ground Robin Dressonornis anomalus
Species AccountThe olive-flanked ground robin (Dessonornis anomalus), also known as the olive-flanked robin-chat, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. -
Orange-breasted Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Species AccountThe orange-breasted forest robin (Stiphrornis erythrothorax) is a species of bird mainly found throughout the African tropical rainforest. -
Orange-breasted Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis
Species AccountThe oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher. They are distinctive black and white birds with a long tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. -
Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Pale Flycatcher Agricola pallidus
Species AccountThe pale flycatcher (Agricola pallidus) is a passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae, found in Sub-Saharan Africa. -
Pale Flycatcher Agricola pallidus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
Species AccountThe pied wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) is a wheatear, a small insectivorous passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae. -
Przevalski’s Redstart Phoenicurus alaschanicus
Species AccountMale is very brightly colored, even for a redstart, with extensively orange underparts, white wing patches, and a gray cap. -
Przevalski’s Redstart Phoenicurus alaschanicus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Rufous-browed Flycatcher Anthipes solitaris
Species AccountUnique-looking flycatcher with a gleamingly clean white throat and a strong rusty orange tinge to the brow and forehead. -
Rufous-browed Flycatcher Anthipes solitaris
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope
Species AccountThe Siberian rubythroat (Calliope calliope) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher of the family Muscicapidae.[3] The Siberian rubythroat and similar small European species are often called chats. -
Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Silverbird Empidornis semipartitus
Species AccountSilverbird Empidornis semipartitus Perches conspicuously on open branches and other exposed perches. -
Silverbird Empidornis semipartitus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula erithacus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Slaty-backed Flycatcher Ficedula erithacus
Species AccountThe slaty-backed flycatcher (Ficedula erithacus) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to the eastern Himalayas, central China, Yunnan -
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Species AccountThe spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and western Asia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range. -
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
Species AccountStunning galaxy-like white spotting on the back separates this species from all other forktails. -
Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata
Species AccountThe spotted palm thrush (Cichladusa guttata), also known as the spotted morning-thrush, is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. -
Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica
Species AccountChunky brown flycatcher with a white throat and brown chest band. -
Swynnerton’s Robin Swynnertonia swynnertoni
Species AccountSwynnerton's robin (Swynnertonia swynnertoni) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Muscicapidae. -
Swynnerton’s Robin Swynnertonia swynnertoni
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Ussher’s Flycatcher Artomyias ussheri
Species AccountUssher's flycatcher (Artomyias ussheri) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. -
Ussher’s Flycatcher Artomyias ussheri
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Species AccountThe verditer flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus) is an Old World flycatcher. It is found from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia to Sumatra. -
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Species AccountThe whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) is a small migratory passerine bird breeding in Europe and western Asia and wintering in central Africa. -
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-browed Forest Flycatcher Fraseria cinerascens
Species AccountAn easily overlooked flycatcher of lowland forests near large waterways, lurking in the lower parts of the forest in shady areas or near cover. -
White-browed Forest Flycatcher Fraseria cinerascens
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
Species AccountThe white-browed scrub robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys), also known as the red-backed scrub-robin, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. -
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Species AccountChunky, brightly-colored redstart found along rushing boulder-strewn mountain streams. -
White-capped Redstart Phoenicurus leucocephalus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata
Species AccountFound in the understory of moist forest, exclusively montane forest away from South Africa. -
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-tailed Flycatcher Leucoptilon concretum
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-tailed Flycatcher Leucoptilon concretum
Species AccountSmall flycatcher with bright white tail panels. Male is blue overall with an off-white belly. -
White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura
Species AccountStately ground-dwelling songbird of dense mid- to upper-elevation broadleaf and mixed forests, particularly in areas with bamboo. -
White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps
Species AccountThe white-throated redstart (Phoenicurus schisticeps) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. -
White-throated Redstart Phoenicurus schisticeps
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis
Species AccountThe white-throated robin (Irania gutturalis), or irania, is a small, sexually dimorphic, migratory passerine bird. -
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map -
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus
Species AccountSlim, long-tailed, all-black flycatcher with a pale yellow eye. Found along the edge and in clearings within Albertine Rift montane forest. -
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus
Species AccountSound archive & distribution map