The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus)

Overview 

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis omissus) is a vibrant passerine bird endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Belonging to the family Muscicapidae, this species is admired for its striking plumage and distinct, melodious call,bmaking it a cherished subject among birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher in the farm forest of Sonder in Minahasa highland of Indonesia

Identification

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is relatively small, typically measuring between 13–15 cm in length. It is instantly recognizable by:

• Bright cobalt-blue upperparts: Including the head, wings, and tail.

• Rich orange throat and chest: This bold coloring transitions into a pale, creamy yellow belly.

• Glossy black beak and eyes: Which contrast vividly with its colorful plumage.

• Sexual dimorphism: Males are more vividly colored than females, which are generally duller and may show more brownish tones.

This combination of colors makes the bird visually striking, especially against the lush green backdrop of its forest habitat.

Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher

Habitat and Range

This species is endemic to Sulawesi, an island known for its unique biodiversity. The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher inhabits:

• Highland and Montane forests
• Dense undergrowth and forest edges
• Altitudes from sea level to about 2,000 meters
• It relies heavily on well-preserved forests, although it may also be spotted in secondary forests or plantations with sufficient tree cover.

Behavior and Diet

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is an insectivorous bird, typically foraging alone or in pairs. It employs a typical flycatcher strategy:

• Sallying from perches to snatch flying insects
• Occasionally gleaning insects from foliage
• Its diet consists of flies, beetles, ants, and small arthropods
• It is often seen flitting through the lower to mid-levels of the forest, perching upright with quick, flicking tail movements.

Breeding

Little is known about the detailed breeding behavior of Cyornis omissus, but like other flycatchers:

• It likely nests in tree cavities, crevices, or dense foliage.
• The female is believed to be responsible for nest construction and incubation.
• Breeding season timing is thought to coincide with the region’s rainy season, when insect prey is abundant.

Conservation Status

As of now, the Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but this status requires vigilance. Primary threats include:

• Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and mining
• Habitat fragmentation which isolates populations
• Lack of ecological data which limits effective conservation measures

Continued habitat monitoring and preservation of Sulawesi’s forests are critical to this species’ future.

Significance

The Sulawesi Blue Flycatcher is not only a beautiful and captivating bird but also an important part of Sulawesi’s unique avifauna. Its presence is an indicator of healthy forest ecosystems. Protecting it ensures the preservation of an entire web of life on this remarkable Indonesian island.

References:

• BirdLife International
• Handbook of the Birds of the World
• Local Indonesian conservation data

Also read:

• Birdwatching Tour at the Outskirts of Manado city
• Wildlife Watching and Photography Trip in Tangkoko and Minahasa Highland of Indonesia
• Birding in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, Mount Mahawu and Sonder's Farm Forest
• Butterfly watching in Sonder of Minahasa Highland
• Scaly-breasted Kingfisher
• Birds of Sulawesi