Muscicapidae

Another large family occurring from Africa through Eurasia to Indonesia, the Old World Flycatchers formerly included other groups that are now known to be unrelated, namely the fantails and monarchs, and separated into families of their own. Instead, the Old World Flycatchers are closely related to the much larger family of thrushes (Turdidae), sharing the “turdine thumb” of the syrinx (voicebox) and several features of the forelimb and jaw, as well as having juveniles with spotted plumage. Flycatchers generally differ from thrushes in having shortish, broad-based bills, numerous rictal bristles and smaller, weaker legs and feet, all features that are associated with their aerial, rather than ground-dwelling, lifestyle. The vast majority are sit-and-wait predators, spending long periods perched on exposed branches in an upright posture, scanning the air or foliage around them for small insects, before darting off after them. The many long stiff rictal bristles that surround the gape and cover the nostrils probably function to protect the eyes from collisions with parts of their prey when sallying. Most species are sexual dimorphic, the males being brightly-coloured and females rather drab. While the majority of species in Indonesia are resident, several are non-breeding migrants from the Northern Hemisphere. Their songs are not as complex or loud as most thrushes, but several species give quite melodious calls.

Of the 17 species found in Java, five are found in Baluran .

Flight:

Slow. Direct, shallow wingbeats.

Dengar Suaranya

*Sikatan Cacing (song)