Narcissus Flycatcher

Narcissus Flycatcher

The Narcissus Flycatcher, scientifically known as Ficedula narcissina, is a small passerine bird that belongs to the family Muscicapidae. It is a migratory bird that breeds in East Asia, particularly in Japan, and then winters in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The bird's name is derived from its habitat, which is often near narcissus flowers, and its flycatcher behavior, which involves catching insects mid-air. The Narcissus Flycatcher is known for its striking plumage, which varies depending on the bird's gender and age. The male has a dark blue-black head, back, and wings, with a white stripe running from the crown to the back. Its underparts are a bright orange-yellow, with a black stripe running from the throat to the lower belly. The female has a duller plumage, with a brownish-gray head, back, and wings, and a pale orange-yellow underpart. The juvenile Narcissus Flycatcher resembles the female but with a streaked breast. The bird's diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches in mid-air using its long, pointed bill. It is also known to feed on fruits and berries during the winter months. The Narcissus Flycatcher is a solitary bird during breeding season, but it may form small flocks during migration and wintering. The Narcissus Flycatcher is an important bird in Japanese folklore and culture. It is often depicted in paintings and literature, and its arrival in Japan is considered a sign of spring. The bird's habitat is also protected in Japan, particularly in the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, where it is a popular bird-watching destination.

Ficedula narcissina, passerine bird, Muscicapidae, migratory, plumage, insects, solitary, folklore

— John Taylor

CITATION : "John Taylor. 'Narcissus Flycatcher.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/narcissus-flycatcher?E=273733 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"