Introduction

The Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata) is a small, active passerine native to the montane forests of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. This bird possesses a hidden beauty from which it gets its scientific name “strophiata,” derived from the Ancient Greek word strophios, referring to a breastband or chest cord.

Identification

Male birds have olive-brown or slate-grey upperparts, a black face mask, a white supercilium and forehead, a prominent rufous-orange throat gorget (expandable in displays), white underparts, and a black tail with white outer bases. Females are comparatively duller, with a paler gorget, a less distinct white brow, and a slate-grey lower breast.

In neutral poses, the patch can appear as a small, unremarkable orange smudge—the hidden treasure that defines the Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher. However, during territorial disputes or courtship displays, the male puffs out his throat feathers, expanding the gorget into a vivid, glowing orange shield. This transforms him from a drab brown bird into a striking suitor, contrasting the orange flare against his jet-black face mask and white supercilium.

Migration

It performs altitudinal migration, wintering at lower elevations in northeast Bangladesh, southern China, central, eastern, and southern Myanmar, northern Thailand, northern Laos, northern Indochina, and Vietnam.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized: F. s. strophiata (wider Himalayan and Chinese range) and F. s. fuscogularis (eastern Laos and central Vietnam). The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, inhabiting subtropical moist montane forests at 1,500–3,700m.

My Experience

I first saw this bird on June 7, 2025. My encounters with flycatchers in the Himalayas had been few, so I consider this my first significant flycatcher sighting, aside from the Verditer Flycatcher which is quite common in the hills. I went to Senchal in Darjeeling, West Bengal, where I found many different birds. As I was coming down from the Tiger Hill observatory, I suddenly noticed this beauty perched nearby. I only managed to get a few shots before it flew away. At first, I thought it was a Nepal Fulvetta, but it turned out to be a flycatcher, adding another Old World flycatcher to my list.

Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher Citations