Dull-blue flycatcher

Description

The dull-blue flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family,Muscicapidae.This species is an endemic resident breeder in the hills of central Sri Lanka.The dull-blue flycatcher breeds in deciduous mountain forest,invariably above 600m,although it is not common below 900m.The main breeding season is in March and April,but a second brood is often reared later in the year.The cup-shaped nest is a lined compact mass of moss.The site is usually a well-shaded rock ledge.The normal clutch is two or three brown-spotted pink eggs are laid.This species is 15 cm long.It is similar in shape to the spotted flycatcher and has a loud melodic song..Adults are ashy blue,with a whitish belly.There is a black patch between the broad black bill and the eye,bordered with brighter blue above and below.Sexes are similar,but females are slightly duller.Juvenile dull-blue flycatchers are brown,heavily spotted on the head,back,wing-coverts and breast with pale buff;their flight feathers are broadly edged with blue-grey.This is relatively easy bird to see,despite its forest habitat.It feeds mainly on flying insects,beetles,caterpillars and other insects,but also eats berries.