FLYCATCHEES 
Musckapidee 
The flycatchers form a very large family of birds in 
geographical range restricted to the Old World. More than 
forty small species are known from the Malay Peninsula but 
of these some are only migrants appearing on the mountains, 
or on the islands in the Straits of Malacca, in the winter. 
Certain local species usually attributed to this family could 
perhaps be equally well placed with the warblers (Sylviidtje) and 
it seems that the division between the two great groups is 
by no means well defined. In the flycatchers the bill is usually 
considerably flattened and at its base are strong bristle-like 
feathers. 
Some species have their habitation in the deepest jungle, 
others prefer the higher zones on the mountains, some are 
normally inhabitants of the mangrove belt and others yet 
again are familiar residents in our bungalow gardens. 
The plumage may be of the soberest description imagine 
able, just a combination of dull grey or brown, but in other 
species vivid orange contrasts with jet black and the brightest 
blue with lively red. 
Normally, flycatchers keep to the bushes and trees, not ' 
searching for their food on the ground. They usually take 
up a station on a bough and wait silently until an insect flies by. 
Then they sally forth and having made their capture return to 
their favourite look-out post. 
