Mangrove Blue Flycatcher – song

YC Wee
on 26th March 2022

Post 1.

I saw 3 Mangrove Blue Flycatchers (Cyornis rufigastra rufigastra) at this site; one a pair and another time a single adult female. Images show the adult female.

Post 2.

These birds are easily missed in the shadows of the mangrove forest unless heard singing.

Post 3.

I heard both male and female birds sing. Songs have much variation. The basic structure is described by Wells (2007) as ‘dee dah fee po’, but many more complex and longer songs also give and were heard. Songs are usually given 2-5 seconds apart and have a duration of 1.25-1.75 seconds. I also noted a clicking-like noise to show displeasure.

Post 4.

A call recording is here: https://www.xeno-canto.org/584006

A sonogram and wave from in Post 4 of two variations of the song.

 

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr) – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Location: Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia

Habitat: Mangrove forest

Date: 20th August 2020

Equipment: Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, handheld with Rode VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone

 

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group. Part 1: Looking at Birds.

12th December 2024

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14th September 2024

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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