Dull-blue Flycatcher

The dull-blue flycatcher is an endemic resident breeder in the hills of central Sri Lanka, 15 cm long and similar in shape to the spotted flycatcher, with a loud melodic song. Adults are ashy blue with a whitish belly and a black patch between the broad black bill and the eye, bordered above and below with brighter blue. Females are slightly duller, and juveniles are brown, heavily spotted with pale buff (Wikipedia, species account).

It breeds in deciduous mountain forest, invariably above 600 m though not common below 900 m, mainly in March and April, often rearing a second brood. The nest is a compact mass of moss on a shaded rock ledge. It is relatively easy to see despite its forest habitat and feeds mainly on flying insects, beetles and caterpillars, and also berries. Nationally Vulnerable (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).