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This active little tiny bird is a common migrant species that visits our lowlands and mid hills up to about 4000 feet. The Brown Flycatcher breeds in Japan, eastern Siberia and the Himalayas. During winter it migrates to southern India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

During the migrant season this active little bird is found in most home gardens through out the lowlands up to the mid hills. I have heard its call at most locations even in the city of Colombo. This solitary hunter with its characteristic white ringed big eyes will usually stay concealed among the foliage of trees during the day and become quite active towards dusk.  He would fly out to perch on exposed branches, dart as its insect prey, which is caught with loud snap of its beak. Brown Flycatcher is a frequent visitor to my home garden during the migrant season. This species can be differentiated quite easily in the field from the Layars Flycatcher by the colour of its legs. The legs and feet of the Brown flycatcher’s are black where as in Layars Flycatcher it is flesh coloured.

This species is not a commonly seen species in the forested areas of Wilpattu. However its presence is noted by its call in most open areas throughout the park.