Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana): A New Avifaunal Chapter in Pakistan’s Biodiversity Based on Morphological and Acoustic Evidence from Mehrano Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract

Pakistan is recognized for its diverse avifauna, particularly as a wintering ground for numerous migratory species that arrive via the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and neighboring regions. In 2025, Pakistan documented a significant record of the Blue-and-White Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana), a migratory songbird belonging to the family Muscicapidae, observed on January 11 at the Mehrano Wildlife Sanctuary in Sindh (GPS coordinates: 27°18'16"N 68°41'09"E). Four individuals were photographed to provide evidence-based documentation, and their characteristics were meticulously analyzed using sonograms and taxonomical attributes. The Blue-and-White flycatcher is a winter visitor to Southeast Asia including India, where sightings are infrequent. This observation represents the first documented occurrence of the species in Pakistan, supported by direct field observations and photographic evidence. This remarkable discovery constitutes a significant enhancement to the region’s avifaunal diversity and underscore the conservation initiatives undertaken by the Sindh Wildlife Department. This rare and elusive record of the Blue-and-White Flycatcher offers valuable insights into the migration patterns of avian species in South Asia, highlighting the necessity for monitoring and conserving critical habitats within protected areas.