Old world flycatchers

Another group of winter migrants that fascinate are the Old World Flycatchers. They are very small to small birds with plumage that is often dull. Many of these flycatchers are so nondescript that most people will over look them. The males of some species may have brighter colors, and they originate from the Old World, which comprises Africa, Asia, and Europe (collectively known as Afro-Eurasia). If you do see them they are usually lone birds passing through the area.

The most common of the winter flycatchers here are the Asian Browns. This species breeds in Japan, eastern Siberia and the Himalayas, and migrates to the southern parts of Asia and Southeast Asia.

Asian Brown Flycatcher

Easily mistaken for the Asian Brown is the Brown-streaked Flycatcher. This species is similar to the Asian Brown and is considered a sub-species by some.

Brown-streaked flycatcher

Then there's the Dark-sided Flycatcher, which has a wide distribution in Asia. The birds that are further north will move south during winter.

Dark-sided Flycatcher

Here's another brown bird - the Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher, which is a species that is considered vulnerable. This is because the habitat that they live in lowland tropical and sub-tropical forest are being destroyed to plantations and human habitation.

Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher

Okay, not all old world flycatchers are plain Janes. Many do have gorgeous color and here are a couple. 

Mugimaki Flycatcher

The Mugimaki Flycatcher breeds in eastern Siberia and north-east China. They move down to eastern China, Korea and Japan in spring and autumn, and winter in in South-east Asia.

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher

Then you have the Yellow-rumped Flycatcher that is found eastern Asia that winters in South Asia.

Ferruginous Flycatcher

Last but by all means not the last is the Ferruginous Flycatcher, tends to be a rusty-brown color hence the name ferruginous.