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Muscicapidae

(Family)

Overview

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The Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae is a large family of small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World. These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing.

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The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. They are small to medium birds, ranging from 10 to 21 centimetres in length. Many species are a dull brown in color, but the plumage of some can be much brighter, especially in the males.[1] Most have broad flattened bills suited to catching insects in flight, although the few ground foraging species typically have finer bills.[2]

Old World flycatchers live in almost every environment with a suitable supply of trees, from dense fore st to open scrub, and even the montane woodland of the Himalayas. The more northerly species migrate south in winter, ensuring a continuous diet of insects.[2]

Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.[2]

Systematics

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This article follows the Handbook of Birds of the World in including the small chat-like ground feeders previously classed with the Turdidae thrushes in this group. Recent biochemical studies[citation needed] place certain traditional thrush genera (Montic ola, Myiophonus, Brachypteryx, and Alethe) here in the Muscicapidae. Conversely the Asian saxicoline genera Grandala and Cochoa belong among the thrushes.

The division of Muscicapidae into two subfamilies may be artificial. Some genera in one subfamily are closer to members of the other and vice-versa. As the exact relationships of the family's members are worked out the internal taxonomic structure of the family may need to be radically revised.

Muscicapidae in taxonomic order

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This is a list of muscicapid species, presented in taxonomic order.

FAMILY: MUSCICAPIDAE

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae - Male with feed at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata
]

Old World flycatchers live in almost every environment with a suitable supply of trees, from dense forest to open scrub, and even the montane woodland of the Himalayas. The more northerly species migrate south in winter, ensuring a continuous diet of insects.[2]

Depending on the species, their nests are either well-constructed cups placed in a tree or cliff ledge, or simply lining in a pre-existing tree hole. The hole-nesting species tend to lay larger clutches, with an average of eight eggs, rather than just two to five.[2]

Systematics

[ Back to top ]

This article follows the Handbook of Birds of the World in including the small chat-like ground feeders previously classed with the Turdidae thrushes in this group. Recent biochemical studies[citation needed] place certain traditional thrush genera (Monticola, Myiophonus, Brachypteryx, and Alethe) here in the Muscicapidae. Conversely the Asian saxicoline genera Grandala and Cochoa belong among the thrushes.

The division of Muscicapidae into two subfamilies may be artificial. Some genera in one subfamily are closer to members of the other and vice-versa. As the exact relationships of the family's members are worked out the internal taxonomic structure of the family may need to be radically revised.

Muscicapidae in taxonomic order

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This is a list of muscicapid species, presented in taxonomic order.

FAMILY: MUSCICAPIDAE

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae - Male with feed at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata

References

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  1. ^ "Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae". artfullbirds.com. http://www.artfullbirds.com/Old%20World%20Flycatchers.html. Retrieved June 3, 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c Perrins, C. (1991). Forshaw, Joseph. ed. Encyclopaedia of Animals: Birds. London: Merehurst Press. pp. 194?195. ISBN 1-85391-186-0. 

External links

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Taxonomy

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The Family Muscicapidae is a member of the Superfamily Muscicapoidea. Here is the complete "parentage" of Muscicapidae:

The Family Muscicapidae is further organized into finer groupings including:

Genera

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Aedon

A?don (Greek ) is, in Greek mythology, the daughter of Pandareus of Ephesus. According to Homer she was the wife of Zethus, and the mother of Itylus. [more]

Alseonax

[more]

Artomyias

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[1] [more]

Bowdleria

The Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata) is an insectivorous bird endemic to New Zealand. The Maori names are Kotata or Matata. It is a rich brown above and white below, with brown spots on both the throat and breast. Early settlers called it the "Swamp Sparrow" no doubt because of its coloration. The tail feathers are thin, dark brown, and spine-like. The birds reach a length of 18 cm (7 in) - as measured from tip of beak to end of tail. However,almost half of that is tail [more]

Bradornis

Bradornis is a genus of small passerine birds in the large family Muscicapidae commonly known as the Old World flycatchers. [more]

Bradyornis

[more]

Campicoloides

[more]

Cercomela

Cercomela is a genus of small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It comprises nine species of chats. [more]

Cercotrichas

The scrub robins or bush chats are medium-sized insectivorous in the genus Cercotrichas. They were formerly in the thrush family (Turdidae), but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). They are not closely related to the Australian scrub-robins, genus Drymodes in the family Petroicidae. [more]

Chaimarrornis

The White-capped Water-redstart (Chaimarrornis leucocephalus) is a species of bird of the Muscicapidae family, in the monotypic genus Chaimarrornis.[] The generic name of this species is derived from the Greek kheimarrhos meaning torrent and ornis meaning bird. [more]

Cichladusa

The palm-thrushes are medium-sized insectivorous in the genus Cichladusa. They were formerly in the thrush family Turdidae, but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher Muscicapidae. [more]

Cinclidium

Cinclidium is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Copsychus

The magpie-robins or shamas are medium-sized insectivorous (some also eat berries and other fruit) in the genera Copsychus and Trichixos. They were formerly in the thrush family Turdidae, but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher Muscicapidae. [more]

Cossypha

The robin-chats are small insectivorous in the genera Cossyphicula and Cossypha. They were formerly in the thrush family Turdidae, but are now more often treated as part of the Old World flycatcher Muscicapidae[citation needed]. [more]

Cossyphicula

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[2] [more]

Culicicapa

The canary-flycatchers, Culicicapa, are a genus of bird in the flycatcher family Stenostiridae (Beresford et al. 2005). The genus is restricted to South East Asia. It contains the following species: [more]

Cyanoptila

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[3] [more]

Cyornis

Cyornis is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Dioptrornis

Melaenornis is a genus of small passerine birds in the large family Muscicapidae commonly known as the Old World flycatchers. They are restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. The three slaty flycatchers are now commonly placed in another genus instead, Dioptrornis. [more]

Dromolaea

[more]

Drymoeca

[more]

Empidornis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[4] [more]

Enicurus

The forktails are small birds in the genus Enicurus. They were formerly in the thrush family Turdidae, but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Their name derives from their long forked tail. [more]

Erannornis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[5] [more]

Erithacus

The robins are small passerine birds comprising the genus Erithacus. They were formerly classed as members of the thrush family, but now considered to be Old World flycatchers of the chat subfamily (Saxicolinae). [more]

Erythropygia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[6] [more]

Eumyias

Eumyias is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Ficedula

The Ficedula flycatchers are a genus of Old World flycatchers. The genus is the largest in the family, containing around thirty species. They have sometimes been included in the genus Muscicapa. The genus is found in Europe, Asia and Africa. Several species are highly migratory, whereas other species are sedentary. [more]

Fraseria

Fraseria is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Grandala

The Grandala (Grandala coelicolor) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. [more]

Hodgsonius

The White-bellied Redstart (Hodgsonius phoenicuroides, or wrongly Hodgsonius phaenicuroides) is a species of bird of the Muscicapidae family, in the monotypic genus Hodgsonius. [more]

Humblotia

The name Humblotia can refer to two different of organisms: [more]

Irania

The White-throated Robin (Irania gutturalis) is a small bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher, family Muscicapidae. It, and similar small European species, are often called chats. [more]

Luscinia

Luscinia is a genus of smallish passerine birds, containing the nightingales and relatives. Formerly classed as members of the thrush family Turdidae, they are now considered to be Old World flycatchers (Muscicapidae) of the chat subfamily (Saxicolinae). The chats are a lineage of Old World flycatchers that has evolved convergently to thrushes. [more]

Melaenornis

Melaenornis is a genus of small passerine birds in the large family Muscicapidae commonly known as the Old World flycatchers. They are restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. The three slaty flycatchers are now commonly placed in another genus instead, Dioptrornis. [more]

Merula

[more]

Mimocichla

[more]

Modulatrix

Modulatrix is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Monticola

The rock-thrushes, Monticola, are a of chats, medium-sized mostly insectivorous or omnivorous songbirds. They were in former times placed in the thrush family Turdidae but actually belong in the closely related Muscicapidae. All are Old World birds associated with mountainous regions. [more]

Muscicapa

Muscicapa is a genus of passerine birds belonging to the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae, and therein to the of subfamily Muscicapinae. They are widespread across Europe, Africa and Asia with most species occurring in forest and woodland habitats. Several species are migratory, moving south from Europe and northern Asia for the winter. [more]

Muscicapella

The Pygmy Flycatcher (Muscicapella hodgsoni), also known as the Pygmy Blue-flycatcher, is a bird species of the family Muscicapidae, in the monotypic genus Muscicapella.[] [more]

Muscicapula

[more]

Myiomela

Myioparus

Myioparus is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Myiophonus

The whistling-thrushes comprise a genus Myophonus (Myiophoneus) of the thrush family Turdidae. [more]

Myrmecocichla

Myrmecocichla is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. Thamnolaea is a synonym. (Sibley and Monroe, 1990 and 1993) It contains the following species: [more]

Namibornis

The Herero Chat (Namibornis herero) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Namibornis. It is found in Angola and Namibia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. [more]

Niltava

Niltava (from niltau, Nepali for N. sundara) is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Oenanthe

Oenanthe is the name of two genera: [more]

Petrocincla

[more]

Phaeornis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[7] [more]

Philentoma

Philentoma is an enigmatic genus of birds. They were included in the Muscicapidae (flycatchers) when these were used as a "wastebin taxon" mainly for lack of a better idea, but have recently been recognized as part of a "shrike"-like group. They may be rather close to the diverse vangas but for the time being are placed in the Prionopidae with the helmetshrikes and woodshrikes. [more]

Phoenicurus

Phoenicurus is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Pinarornis

The Boulder Chat (Pinarornis plumosus) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Pinarornis.[] It is found in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where its natural habitat is dry savanna. [more]

Pogonocichla

The White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata) is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher and chat family Muscicapidae. It is also sometimes more simply called the Starred Robin. It is monotypic within the genus Pogonocichla.[] There are around twelve subspecies. The species is found in East and Southern Africa. It is a forest species, occurring in montane forest in the north of its range but closer to sea level further south. This is a brightly colored robin with a bright yellow breast and belly, a slate colored head with spots on the eyes and throat and blueish wings. [more]

Pratincola

[more]

Pseudocossyphus

The rock-thrushes, Monticola, are a of chats, medium-sized mostly insectivorous or omnivorous songbirds. They were in former times placed in the thrush family Turdidae but actually belong in the closely related Muscicapidae. All are Old World birds associated with mountainous regions. [more]

Rhinomyias

Rhinomyias is a genus of bird in the Muscicapidae family. [more]

Rhyacornis

Rhyacornis is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Ruticilla

[more]

Salicaria

[more]

Saxicola

The genus Saxicola (Etymology: "rock-dweller", from Latin saxum, a rock + incola, dwelling in), the stonechats or chats, is a genus of 15 species of small passerine birds restricted to the Old World. They are insectivores occurring in open scrubland and grassland with scattered small shrubs. [more]

Saxicoloides

The Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is widespread in the Indian Subcontinent, and ranges across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The males of northern populations have a brown back whose extent gradually reduces southwards with populations in the southern peninsula having an all black back. They are commonly found in open scrub areas and often seen running along the ground or perching on low thorny shrubs and rocks. Their long tails are held erect and their chestnut undertail covert and dark body make them easily distinguishable from the Pied Bushchat and the Oriental Magpie Robin. [more]

Sheppardia

The akalats are medium-sized birds in the genus Sheppardia. They were formerly placed in the thrush family, Turdidae, but are more often now treated as part of the Old World flycatcher Muscicapidae. [more]

Sigelus

The Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens, is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is a resident breeder in Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland, and a vagrant to Namibia. It is the only member of the genus Sigelus. [more]

Stenostira

The Fairy Flycatcher or Fairy Warbler (Stenostira scita) is a small passerine bird. Formerly placed in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae, it is now separated with some other "odd flycatchers" as the new family Stenostiridae (Beresford et al. 2005, Fuchs et al. 2006). It is the only member of the genus Stenostira. [more]

Stiphrornis

The forest robins are small Central and West African birds from the genus Stiphrornis. They have been placed in the family Turdidae, but are now generally placed in Muscicapidae in the group popularly known as chats. Traditionally, only a single species, the Forest Robin (S. erythrothorax), has been recognized, but recent reviews have recommended recognizing 5 species. All have a total length of around 12 cm (4? in), have dark upperparts, and a throat and chest that, depending on the exact species, is yellow-orange or deep orange. [more]

Swynnertonia

Swynnerton's Robin (Swynnertonia swynnertoni) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Swynnertonia. It is found in Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. [more]

Tarsiger

Tarsiger is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Thamnolaea

Myrmecocichla is a genus of in the Muscicapidae family. Thamnolaea is a synonym. (Sibley and Monroe, 1990 and 1993) It contains the following species: [more]

Trichixos

The Rufous-tailed Shama (Trichixos pyrropygus) is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Trichixos.[] It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss. [more]

Xenocopsychus

The Angola Cave-chat (Xenocopsychus ansorgei) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. Its genus Xenocopsychus is monotypic.[] [more]

More info about the Genus Xenocopsychus may be found here.

References

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  1. ^ "Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae". artfullbirds.com. http://www.artfullbirds.com/Old%20World%20Flycatchers.html. Retrieved June 3, 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c Perrins, C. (1991). Forshaw, Joseph. ed. Encyclopaedia of Animals: Birds. London: Merehurst Press. pp. 194?195. ISBN 1-85391-186-0. 

Bibliography

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Footnotes

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  1. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=21976
  2. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=25726
  3. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=572
  4. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=561
  5. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=22036
  6. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=22733
  7. http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=22180

Sources

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Last Revised: August 24, 2012
2012/08/24 13:36:38