Least Concern

Length about 13–14 cm; wingspan 22–25 cm; weight around 10–12 g. A small, slender, and plain brown flycatcher with grey-brown upperparts, whitish underparts, and a faint eye-ring that gives a gentle expression.

Breeds across northern and eastern Asia, including Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China; a migratory species.

Winters in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Malay Peninsula, and occasionally as far south as Indonesia.

May to August in the breeding range. Males sing from perches to attract females and defend territories.

Nests in tree holes, wall crevices, or sheltered ledges, often using natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. The cup-shaped nest is made of moss, grass, and feathers. Clutch size typically 3–5 eggs.

Prefers open woodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens, and lightly wooded areas during breeding; in winter, it is found in gardens and wooded habitats at lower elevations.

Feeds mainly on insects and flying arthropods, such as flies, beetles, moths, and butterflies. Catches prey in the air with short sallies from a perch, typical of flycatcher behavior.