Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) – Behaviour and Habitat

The Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis) is a small insectivorous bird widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. In India, it is commonly found in the Himalayan foothills and Northeast India, including Assam. This video documents the species in its natural habitat in Karimganj district, where it is typically seen actively foraging from exposed perches in wooded landscapes.

This species is easily identified by its grey head and upperparts, bright yellow underparts, and a slender bill adapted for catching insects in flight. It often forages actively, making short sallies from exposed perches to capture flying insects, a behaviour typical of flycatchers.

The bird is usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. According to ornithological records, the Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher prefers well-wooded landscapes at low to mid elevations, which aligns with the forested and semi-natural habitats around Karimganj district in southern Assam.

The species is currently classified as Least Concern due to its wide distribution and stable population trends, although local populations can be affected by habitat degradation.