Who decided that was my name? Sure, I’m the Dull-blue Flycatcher, Eumyias sordidus if we’re being formal, but don’t let the modest hue fool you. I’m an endemic jewel of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, thank you very much! Maybe my dusky-blue plumage doesn’t scream “look at me,” but subtlety is an art. My understated elegance blends perfectly with the misty montane forests I call home. And what’s with calling me boring? I’ve got moves! Perching quietly on a low branch, scanning the undergrowth, and then, bam! A quick, darting flight to snag an unsuspecting insect. My large, dark eyes don’t miss a thing, even in the forest’s dim light. You’re welcome, by the way, for keeping those insect populations in check. Without me, your precious highlands might be overrun.

You would’ve heard a delightful tune echoing through the Horton Plains and Knuckles Range during breeding season, yes? You’re welcome for that too! And speaking of breeding, that’s where the next generation of forest caretakers comes from. Our chicks are born helpless, so my partner and I build cosy nests with moss and feathers, tucked safely in tree hollows or rock crevices. The misty montane forests and cloud forests of Sri Lanka are perfect for this, which is why you find us there. So, the next time you think of me as “dull,” take another look. I thrive where others can’t, play a key role in my ecosystem, and prove that beauty isn’t just about flashy colors. Remember, it’s the quiet ones who hold the balance of nature in their wings.

This picture was taken by Dilum when he was on a trek up in the Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains, Hakgala, and the Knuckles Range in Sri Lanka are the preferred habitats for the feisty little Dull-blue Flycatcher. All of the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps are great locations for bird watching, as they are located on the borders of the National Parks. Explorer by Eco Team in Sinharaja, in particular, is a favourite amongst birdwatchers as it gives them access to many of Sri Lanka’s endemic species.