With Its Stunning Feathers, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Bird Is One of the Smallest and Cutest Birds
When you think about birds, you probably only consider pigeons or seagulls. This is especially true if you live in a bland, boring suburban area.
Sure, there are some birds around, but they are usually unremarkable, unattractive, and have likely congregated in cities or suburbs because they know they can scavenge food from bins. This means that when you see a bird, you probably don’t think much of it and move on with your day.
Unless, of course, you are watching a David Attenborough documentary or another bird program. With his narration, David Attenborough can make even pigeons seem interesting, cute, and a vital part of the ecosystem—which, of course, they are.
Basically, what all this means is that if you live somewhere unexciting and developed, unless you are an avid bird watcher, your experience with local birds is probably quite dull. However, if the birds were as cute and interesting as this one, you would likely pay a lot more attention to them!
Take this bird, the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, for example; it was named for its knack for catching bugs, and it is also incredibly cute. Check out some stunning pictures of the bird below!
This is the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher… and isn’t it super cute!
The technical and scientific name for Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher is Cyornis tickelliae. It is a small passerine bird, meaning it is sparrow-shaped, and is sometimes known as a songbird or perching bird.
They are a little over 10 centimeters long, which means they are quite small. They have bright blue upper parts, a red throat and breast area, which tapers down into a cream and white belly.
Now check out this baby Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher.
Okay, so the scientific term for a baby is “juvenile,” but that seems too harsh for this adorable bird! The juveniles’ feathers are streaked and have some cute little spots on their mantle.
The female Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher looks different from the male. They are a duller shade of blue compared to the male, but they don't have as much red; instead, they have a brighter blue brow, shoulder, back, and tail.
Sadly, unless you live in Asia, you are unlikely to come across one in your backyard.
They inhabit tropical conditions, ranging from India to Bangladesh and western Myanmar.
Tickell’s Blue Flycatchers love to eat.
Mainly, they feed by using their quick reflexes to snag insects as they fly around. When this doesn’t work, they also jump down to the ground to catch insects (like termites and earwigs).
Due to humans encroaching on their natural habitats, they have also been observed rummaging through bins and other garbage dumps in search of snacks!
Tickell’s Blue Flycatchers breed from March through August.
Their favorite nesting locations are in holes lined with fine grasses and fibers or among rocks. They lay 3-5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for almost two weeks.
They have a bigger appetite during mating season and tend to take larger prey during this time.
Their favorite places to breed are in dry forested areas, bamboo, and gardens. They love thick cover and shade, and the best spots for them are along the banks of wooded streams.
Parenting is quite equal for these beautiful birds! They are cared for by both their mother and father, and they fledge 10-11 days after hatching, but their parents continue to feed them for another week.
Luckily, due to habitat conservation and their long breeding period, these birds are quite common in their natural habitats, and they have a stable population!
Check out their beautiful sounds below!
The Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher is undeniably adorable! As noted by Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, "Equal parenting roles can foster a nurturing environment, which is something we can all learn from." This bird exemplifies such balance in nature. The nature photographers featured have done remarkable work capturing stunning images of these birds, showcasing the vibrant colors of this extraordinary species. What are your thoughts on the Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher? Was this your first encounter with its beauty, or are you already a fan? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
H/T: Dr. Madeline Levine.
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