Sikatan Ninon

About

The Sikatan Ninon, also known as the Ninon's Blue Robin or Rufous-tailed Blue Robin, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is characterized by its striking blue and rufous plumage, particularly in males, and its preference for dense undergrowth in montane forests. It is an elusive species, often heard before seen, and is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia.

Size & lifespan

Length

14-15 cm

Wingspan

20-22 cm

Weight

15-20 g

Lifespan

5-8 years (estimated in wild)

Diet

Insectivore

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult male: Glossy dark blue upperparts, including head, back, and wings. The throat and upper breast are also dark blue, contrasting sharply with a bright rufous-orange lower breast, belly, and flanks. The undertail coverts are white. The tail is rufous-chestnut. Adult female: Duller overall. Olive-brown upperparts, often with a faint bluish wash on the crown and rump. The throat is pale buffy-white, transitioning to a dull rufous-orange on the breast and flanks, and whitish on the belly. The tail is rufous-chestnut, similar to the male but often duller. Both sexes have a small, indistinct pale loral spot.

Beak shape

Slender, pointed, and slightly flattened at the base, typical of an insectivorous flycatcher. Black in color.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Dark grey to blackish.

Distinguishing features

The combination of dark blue upperparts and bright rufous underparts (male) or olive-brown upperparts and rufous underparts (female) with a rufous tail is distinctive within its range. The small size and active foraging behavior are also key.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are typically mottled brown and buff, often with scaly patterns on the upperparts and breast, gradually acquiring adult plumage. The rufous tail may be present but duller.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes are noted for this species; plumage remains consistent year-round.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored with extensive dark blue plumage, while females are duller olive-brown and rufous.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Plumage

   Look for the striking contrast between the glossy dark blue upperparts and throat/upper breast, and the bright rufous-orange lower breast, belly, and flanks. The rufous tail is also a key feature.

2. 2

   Female Plumage

   Identify by the olive-brown upperparts with a faint bluish wash, dull rufous-orange breast/flanks, and the distinctive rufous-chestnut tail.

3. 3

   Habitat and Behavior

   Search in dense undergrowth of montane forests on Sulawesi. Listen for its melodious song, as it is often heard before it is seen, and observe its active, restless foraging style.

4. 4

   Size and Shape

   Note its small, compact flycatcher shape with a relatively short tail and slender bill.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical moist montane forests, subtropical moist montane forests.

Geographic range

Endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Found across various mountain ranges on the island.

Elevation range

Typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level, occasionally lower.

Preferred environments

Dense undergrowth, forest edges, and secondary growth within montane forests. They prefer areas with a good canopy cover and a rich insect fauna in the lower strata.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily insectivorous, foraging for small insects and other invertebrates. They typically glean insects from foliage and branches in the understory and mid-story, often making short, quick sallies to catch flying insects. They are active and restless foragers.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. They are not typically observed in mixed-species foraging flocks.

Flight pattern

Short, darting flights between perches in the undergrowth. Not known for long-distance flights within their habitat.

Migration pattern

Resident species; no known migratory movements. They are altitudinal migrants to a limited extent, moving to slightly lower elevations during certain periods, but this is not well-documented.

Territoriality

Likely territorial, especially during the breeding season, defending a nesting and foraging area. Males use their song to establish and maintain territory.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Information is limited, but likely varies regionally within Sulawesi, generally coinciding with the rainy season when insect abundance is high. Observations suggest breeding activity between September and April.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically cup-shaped, constructed from moss, rootlets, and fine fibers, often lined with softer materials. They are usually placed low in dense undergrowth, ferns, or small shrubs, well-concealed.

Clutch size

Typically 2-3 eggs.

Egg description

Eggs are typically pale, often whitish or light blue-green, with fine reddish-brown or purplish speckles, particularly concentrated at the broader end. Specific dimensions are not widely published.

Incubation period

Approximately 14-16 days (estimated, based on similar species).

Fledging period

Approximately 12-14 days after hatching (estimated).

Parental care

Both parents are believed to participate in incubation and raising the young, including feeding and nest defense.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Song. The Sikatan Ninon's song is a primary identification tool. Learn its distinctive melodious phrases and listen carefully in appropriate habitats. Once heard, try to pinpoint the location.
2. Patience and Stealth. This species is often shy and stays hidden in dense vegetation. Move slowly and quietly, and be prepared to wait patiently for a glimpse.
3. Scan Undergrowth. Focus your binoculars on the lower and mid-story vegetation, especially where there are tangles of vines, ferns, and shrubs. They often perch on low branches.
4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. These are typically the most active times for vocalization and foraging, increasing your chances of an encounter.

Similar species

Quick facts

Endemic to:

Sulawesi, Indonesia

Habitat:

Montane forests, dense undergrowth

Diet:

Insects

Key Male Feature:

Dark blue upperparts, rufous underparts, rufous tail

Key Female Feature:

Olive-brown upperparts, dull rufous breast, rufous tail

Vocalization:

Melodious, warbling song

Fun facts

• The 'Ninon' in its name refers to Ninon de l'Enclos, a famous French courtesan and salonnière, though the connection to the bird is purely historical and likely an arbitrary dedication by the describer.
• Despite its striking plumage, particularly the male, its preference for dense undergrowth makes it a challenging bird to observe clearly in the wild.
• Its conservation status as 'Least Concern' is largely due to the relatively stable and extensive montane forest habitats on Sulawesi, though localized threats from habitat degradation can occur.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Muscicapidae

Genus

Cyornis

Species

C. ninon

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