Pawan Badhe’s latest series of photographs introduces us to the Red-breasted Flycatcher, a small yet captivating bird seen in the wooded habitats of Bangladesh. Known for its subtle beauty and characteristic red chest, this flycatcher embodies a delicate charm that adds to the intricate diversity of Bangladesh’s avian landscape.

A Distinctive Presence in the Canopy

The Red-breasted Flycatcher is easily recognized by its striking reddish-orange throat and chest, particularly in males, set against muted gray-brown wings. This color contrast makes the bird an unmistakable sight as it flits among branches, catching insects in quick, graceful movements. Through Pawan’s lens, the bird’s quiet elegance and confident demeanor are brought into focus, inviting us to admire its resilience and charm.

Moments of Solitude and Song

One of Pawan’s photographs captures the Red-breasted Flycatcher perched serenely on a slender branch amidst the lush greenery at Justice Shahabuddin Park in Dhaka. Spotting this bird in Dhaka is rare, yet according to Badhe and other birdwatchers, sightings of unusual birds are becoming more frequent in the city’s green spaces.

In this tranquil scene, the bird’s soft feathers and bright eyes stand out against the blurred background, encapsulating the simplicity and beauty of the flycatcher’s existence. Often overshadowed by larger, more flamboyant species, this small bird’s sweet, warbling song adds a gentle, melodic layer to the park’s soundscape.

A Skilled Hunter in the Woodland

The Red-breasted Flycatcher is an insectivore, relying on its agility and keen eyesight to catch small insects mid-air. Its feeding behavior is marked by short, darting flights as it snatches prey before returning to its perch. This hunting method, known as “flycatching,” highlights its skill and adaptability in the wild. Pawan’s photography beautifully captures this fleeting motion, freezing the bird’s focus and precision in time.
A Life Among the Trees

These flycatchers typically inhabit mixed forests, where they blend with their surroundings, often perching on low branches. During the breeding season, they become particularly active, displaying territorial behaviors and attracting mates with vocal calls. The Red-breasted Flycatcher is a migratory species, breeding in parts of Europe and Central Asia and wintering in South Asia, where they find refuge in the green canopies of Bangladesh.

A Symbol of Conservation and Biodiversity

The sighting of the Red-breasted Flycatcher in urban parks like Justice Shahabuddin Park serves as a reminder of the resilience and diversity of local ecosystems. As urbanization increasingly encroaches upon natural habitats, preserving these areas where such species can thrive becomes vital. This flycatcher plays a small but significant role in the ecosystem—controlling insect populations and contributing to the vibrancy of its environment.
Through these captivating images, Badhe reminds us of the Red-breasted Flycatcher’s delicate beauty and the richness of Bangladesh’s wildlife. Each photograph not only tells the story of a bird but also speaks to the ongoing journey of nature preservation, encouraging a deeper connection with the world around us.

The Photographer Behind the Lens

Pawankumar Tulshidas Badhe, an Indian diplomat based in Dhaka, has a diverse background in diplomacy, having had postings in Geneva and Vienna, and a special focus on human rights, disarmament, and press relations. His passion for wildlife photography and bird watching flourished during the COVID-19 lockdown. Badhe enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Kirti, and their son.