The Asian Brown Flycatcher: Migration, Biology, and Habitat in Aceh

*Heri Tarmizi

Asian Brown flycatcher image source e-bird

The choice of Aceh as a wintering site is influenced by the region's favorable climate and abundant food resources.

The Asian Brown Flycatcher ( Muscicapa dauurica ) is a small passerine bird renowned for its migratory behavior, utilizing Aceh, Indonesia, as a crucial wintering site. This essay delves into the migration patterns, biological characteristics, and habitat preferences of this resilient species, focusing on observations made in the Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park and the Tibang City Forest Park in Banda Aceh.

Migration Patterns

The Asian Brown Flycatcher embarks on a long migratory journey from its breeding grounds in East Asia, including regions like Siberia, China, and Japan, to its wintering sites in Southeast Asia. In Aceh, these birds are typically observed from September through March, a period during which they escape the harsher winter climates of their breeding habitats. The choice of Aceh as a wintering site is influenced by the region's favorable climate and abundant food resources.

Biological Characteristics

Size and Appearance:

 The Asian Brown Flycatcher is a diminutive bird, measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length and weighing around 11-13 grams. It exhibits a plain brown plumage with a paler underbelly, a distinctive white eye ring, and a relatively short tail. The species is sexually monomorphic, meaning males and females are similar in appearance.

Image source Google

Diet: 

The primary diet of the Asian Brown Flycatcher consists of insects. Its foraging behavior is characterized by a strategy known as "sallying," where the bird perches on a branch in an open area, keenly watches for insects, and then swiftly catches its prey mid-air before returning to its perch. This method is not only energy efficient but also allows the bird to exploit a wide range of insect prey.

Habitat Preferences in Aceh

The Asian Brown Flycatcher is highly adaptable, thriving in diverse environments ranging from urban green parks to highland forests. In Aceh, significant observations have been made in two contrasting habitats: Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park and the Tibang City Forest Park.

Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park:

 This highland forest park provides an ideal habitat with its rich biodiversity and dense forest cover. The highland climate, coupled with abundant insect prey, makes it a preferred wintering site. Observations in this area have shown that the Asian Brown Flycatcher is particularly active in areas with a mix of open spaces and dense foliage, allowing them to efficiently forage while remaining protected from potential predators.

Tibang City Forest Park:

Situated in an urban setting, the Tibang City Forest Park in Banda Aceh showcases the species' remarkable adaptability. Despite the proximity to human activities, the Asian Brown Flycatcher thrives in this environment. The park's green spaces, interspersed with trees and shrubs, offer ample foraging opportunities. Their presence in such urban areas highlights their tolerance to human disturbances, a trait that enhances their survival prospects in diverse habitats.

Human Interaction and Conservation

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Asian Brown Flycatcher is its resilience to human activities. Unlike many other avian species that might be disturbed by urbanization and habitat fragmentation, this flycatcher demonstrates a high degree of tolerance. This characteristic is particularly advantageous as it allows them to exploit urban green spaces, which are becoming increasingly important as natural habitats are lost to development.

Conservation efforts in Aceh should focus on preserving these urban green spaces and protecting highland forest areas. Ensuring the availability of insect prey through the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem is crucial for the sustenance of the Asian Brown Flycatcher during its wintering period.

Conclusion

The Asian Brown Flycatcher is a remarkable example of avian adaptation and resilience. Its migratory journey from East Asia to Aceh, along with its ability to thrive in both highland forests and urban parks, underscores the importance of diverse and well-preserved habitats. Observations from Pocut Meurah Intan Forest Park and Tibang City Forest Park illustrate the species' flexible habitat preferences and foraging strategies. Conservation initiatives should prioritize habitat preservation and ecological health to support these migratory birds, ensuring that Aceh continues to be a vital sanctuary during their winter sojourn.

 References

- BirdLife International. (2020).  Muscicapa dauurica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22709399A184754871. Retrieved from   https://www.iucnredlist.org/   https://www.iucnredlist.org/

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- Robson, C. (2000).  A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.

- Wells, D.R. (2007).  The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Christopher Helm.

- MacKinnon, J., & Phillips, K. (2000).  A Field Guide to the Birds of China. Oxford University Press.