Pale-chinned Flycatcher (Cyornis poliogenys) – The Discreet Beauty of Shaded Forests

The Pale-chinned Flycatcher is a small, insectivorous songbird known for its subtle charm, discreet behavior, and preference for shady forest interiors. Often overlooked due to its quiet habits and non-flashy colors, this flycatcher thrives in moist, dense lowland forests. It is occasionally observed in the forested fringes of the Sundarbans, particularly in areas with mixed tree growth, bamboo clusters, and limited human disturbance.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Muscicapidae
• Genus: Cyornis
• Species: Cyornis poliogenys

Name Significance: The species name poliogenys refers to its “greyish cheeks/chin”, a key field mark that gives this bird its name.

Morphology & Physical Characteristics

• Size: Small, about 13–14 cm (5.1–5.5 inches) in length.
• Weight: Approximately 10–12 grams.
• Coloration:
  • Males: Dull blue upperparts with a greyish throat and chin, light olive or brownish wash on flanks.
  • Females: Similar but duller, with more brown tones and less distinct bluish hues.
• Distinct Features:
  • Pale chin or throat patch separating the dull blue-grey head and breast.
  • Fine black bill, ideal for insect foraging.
  • Frequently tail-flicking and flitting low among vegetation.

Habitat & Distribution

This species prefers dense, moist forest habitats, especially evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with rich undergrowth.

Distribution Range Includes:
India (Eastern Ghats, NE states, Eastern Himalayas, and West Bengal).
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Sundarbans (fringe forests and quiet forest trails) – Rare but possible in suitable undisturbed patches.

Preferred Habitat:

• Shady understory of tall tree groves.
• Forested village fringes with native tree cover.
• Streamside vegetation, bamboo thickets, and orchards.

Special Features & Behavior

Quiet and Secretive – Rarely sings loudly; usually heard with soft trills or chirps.
Expert Insect Forager – Catches insects mid-air or picks them from low branches and leaves.
Low-Flying Movement – Typically stays below 3 meters in height, moving in shadows.
Territorial During Breeding – Males softly sing to define small, shaded territories.
Indicator of Healthy Undergrowth – Prefers minimally disturbed, multi-layered forests.

Presence in the Sundarbans

While not a core mangrove species, the Pale-chinned Flycatcher may be spotted in:

Fringe zones with tall forest remnants and shaded bamboo groves.
Eco-resort surroundings, wildlife camps, and organic orchard lands with dense canopy.
Riparian belts of freshwater canals and mangrove transition zones.

Best observed early in the morning or late afternoon, when it actively forages in low-lying branches and shade.

Threats & Conservation Challenges

Habitat degradation and removal of understory vegetation.
Pesticide use affecting insect abundance.
Forest fragmentation reducing breeding territories.
Lack of awareness due to its quiet and inconspicuous nature.

Conservation Measures

Preserving shady native forest groves near Sundarban settlements.
Promoting organic farming and insect-friendly gardens.
Discouraging forest clearing under tourism or farming expansion.
Including flycatchers in eco-tourism bird lists to encourage awareness.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (But under-recorded and potentially locally declining).
CITES: Not Listed
Indian Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule IV

Although considered common in parts of its range, it’s under threat in fragmented and over-disturbed zones.

The Pale-chinned Flycatcher may be soft in voice and subtle in looks, but it plays an important role in insect control and forest biodiversity. Its rare appearances in the Sundarbans’ transition forests point to the importance of preserving shaded groves, native vegetation, and quiet understory. With gentle tourism and tree-friendly land practices, we can help this quiet forest dweller continue its hidden journey through Bengal’s wild edges.

Credit Note

Discover the lesser-known treasures of Sundarbans on a Sundarban private tour package.
Spot rare birds along forest fringes during a curated Sundarban luxury tour filled with nature walks.
Relish Bengal’s seasonal flavors at the grand Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025

For more details, visit the Pale-chinned Flycatcher Wikipedia Page.