Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva):

Red-Breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva):

The Red-breasted Flycatcher is a small, insectivorous passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. Known for its striking appearance, the bird is a winter migrant to India, arriving from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to escape harsh winters.

Key Features

1. Physical Characteristics:
   • Male: Exhibits a distinctive orange-red throat patch during the breeding season. In non-breeding plumage, the red patch is less prominent.
   • Female and Juveniles: Plain in appearance, with grayish-brown upper parts and pale underparts, making them less conspicuous.
2. Size:
   • Length: About 12-13 cm.
   • Wingspan: Around 20-22 cm.
3. Diet:
   • Primarily feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, often caught mid-flight.
4. Habitat:
   • Breeding: Found in temperate forests of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
   • Wintering: Migrates to South Asia, including India, and inhabits wooded areas, gardens, and wetlands.

Migration and Distribution

• The Red-breasted Flycatcher is a long-distance migrant, traveling from its breeding grounds in Europe and Central Asia to wintering areas in South Asia, including India and Southeast Asia.
• Its appearance at Ameenpur Lake in Hyderabad, a biodiversity hotspot, highlights the importance of wetlands as critical habitats for migratory birds.

Significance of the Sighting in Hyderabad

1. Biodiversity Indicator:
   • The presence of the Red-breasted Flycatcher at Ameenpur Lake reflects the region’s rich biodiversity and its role as a crucial stopover for migratory birds.
2. Conservation Significance:
   • Such sightings underline the need to preserve and protect wetlands and forested areas that serve as habitats for migratory birds.

Conservation Status

• Listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List, though its population is influenced by habitat loss and degradation in both breeding and wintering areas.

Interesting Facts

1. The bird’s ability to navigate thousands of kilometers during migration is a marvel of nature, using innate instincts and environmental cues.
2. The Red-breasted Flycatcher plays an essential ecological role by controlling insect populations in its habitats.