Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Kandy, Sri Lanka

A photograph of a Tickell's Blue Flycatcher taken in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Kandy, Sri Lanka

One of the best sightings that I have had of the Tickell's Blue Flycatcher was in Kandy in July. The bird made several appearances and spent quite a bit of time around the house, allowing me to photograph it. I would have liked to get a lot closer to it but unfortunately this was not possible.

More photographs inside.
A photograph of a Tickell's Blue Flycatcher taken in Kandy, Sri Lanka
 Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Tickell's Blue Flycatcher is a relatively common resident and is often seen from the wet lowlands to the mid hills of Sri Lanka. It may also be found in suitable forests in the dry zone. The female is duller in colour and has a lighter throat and breast. Based on this, I believe the bird pictured in this post is a male.

A photograph of a Tickell's Blue Flycatcher taken in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Kandy, Sri Lanka

This species breeds in tropical south Asia and its range extends east from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia. It shows regional variations in plumage and size with several of these variations being designated as subspecies. The Sri Lankan population is a separate subspecies named jerdoni.   

A photograph of a Tickell's Blue Flycatcher taken in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher - Kandy, Sri Lanka

All photographs on this post were taken with the Canon 7D and the 100-400mm combo.



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