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PASSERIFORMES Stenostiridae Malaysian Birds Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher The Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, once classified as an Old World flycatcher due to its peculiar characteristics such as an unusual crest, yellow hues, and distinct vocalization, has undergone a reevaluation through molecular phylogeny studies. These investigations revealed marked differences from true Flycatchers, leading to its placement in the Stenostiridae family, affectionately known as "Fairy Flycatchers." This species exhibits a close kinship with Tits and Penduline-Tits and is characterized by a brief, squelching “ti-rip” trill in its vocal repertoire. Breeding primarily in upland to montane Oak and other broadleaved forests, as well as similar wooded areas across temperate to tropical southern Asia, from Pakistan and Central India to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and southern China, this bird demonstrates a range of behaviors. While many populations are resident, some Himalayan individuals engage in partial migration, wintering in peninsular India and occasionally venturing into arid habitats. Altitudinal movements are also observed, particularly in regions like Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas. The Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher is a year-round presence, thriving in elevations reaching and surpassing 2,000 meters above sea level. During the non-breeding season, these birds descend to the plains and lower elevations, favoring well-wooded areas in relatively mature secondary forests, abandoned plantations, and overgrown gardens, often in proximity to water sources and streams, including wooded gorges. Throughout the day, their activity and vocalization persist, as they forage energetically at all levels of the forest. Size & diagnostic markings:- 12Cm. In the appropriate season this bird is all over the forest from lowland to montane. More often in lowland. Its call is continuous but the bird may not be sighted. It's not difficult as the bird is in a small confine signaled by the call and remain there for some time. Quite often in the open forest edge at low attitude. The upper side of the body is olive green while the upper part of the tail and under part yellow, with an unmistakable Grey head and grey breast. The under part of a brighter shade of yellow. Distribution :- In the lowland region south of the Himalayas Mountain and in Sunda. Could be common resident in Malaysia but seen more in the sub-montane region during migratory period. Seen the bird nesting on a couple of occasions in the lowlands. My personal jottings :- I like this bird particularly in the migratory seasons. It is constantly calling and assuring of good bird life present. However at this period perhaps being a migrant the bird is very shy. On the contrary those in the lowland give a feeling that it is well domesticated showing no sign or fear or flight. Returning to its low perch every time despite of the presence of human. This bird is much smaller when compared with most other Flycatchers and could in fact be mistaken for as a Warbler. This is another bird from the southern slopes of the Himalayas, from the west of India to west of china. Then down to the island of Sri Langka [Ceylon]. A montane bird but in Malaysia, a sub-montane to lowland bird. Could not ascertain which level the bird prefers but when seen in breeding season, they would be at the middle storey. # 1 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 2 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 3 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 4 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 5 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 6 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 7 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 8 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 9 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
# 10 Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
When it comes to ranking the most commonly seen Flycatchers, this bird is ranked 3rd after the Verditer and the Pale blue. But unlike the other two, their sightings was drawn by its outstanding blue color against a green forest background, this Canary Flycatcher is not easily seen. Either it does not maintain a permanent perch or it prefers places among thick foliages. Its presence in the area was signaled by its continuous call and heard in almost all forest of the lowlands and some times sub-montane region. In the breeding season, the bird adopt a contrasting stance. Perched in the open and returning to the same perch each time. This was the time when these series of pictures were taken mainly in the Perdik Forest
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