Red-breasted Flycatcher Migrates to India for Winter

Why in the news?

The Red-breasted Flycatcher, a seasonal migrant from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, is spotted in India from September to March, thriving in forests, orchards, and parks while contributing to biodiversity during its stay.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Migrates to India for Winter

Description and Habitat

  • The Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) is a small bird recognized by its vivid reddish-orange throat in males and its subdued brownish appearance in females.
  • Native to Eastern Europe and Central Asia, it prefers deciduous forests for breeding during spring and summer.

Migration and Seasonal Presence in India

  • To avoid harsh winters, the bird migrates to South Asia between September and March.
  • It occupies diverse habitats like forests, orchards, and urban parks during its stay in India.
  • Known for feeding on figs, its unique toe arrangement aids in its identification.

Conservation Status

  • Classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the Red-breasted Flycatcher has a stable population.
  • It adapts well to its migratory range, thriving in the ecosystems it visits.

What is a Passerine Bird?

  • Order: Passeriformes, the largest order of birds.
  • Species Count: Includes over half of all bird species globally.
  • Common Names: Known as perching birds or songbirds (less accurate).
  • Key Feature: Three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe for perching.
  • Examples: Sparrows, robins, and flycatchers.

Key Facts about Red-breasted Flycatcher:

  • Scientific Name: Ficedula parva
  • Size: Small passerine bird, 11–12 cm long, belonging to the Old World Flycatcher family.
  • Appearance:
  • Males: Reddish-orange throat extending to the upper breast; creamy-white underparts.
  • Females: Overall brown with creamy-white underparts.
  • Unique toe arrangement: Three toes forward, one backward for efficient branch-clinging.
  • Habitat: Feeds on figs (banyan, peepal) in urban gardens and parks.
  • Migration: Moves from Eastern Europe to South Asia from September to March to avoid harsh winters.
  • Breeding: Occurs in deciduous forests of Eastern Europe and Central Asia during spring and summer.
  • Conservation Status: Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times

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