Slender flycatcher of hilly and montane forests. Male is slate blue-gray above and orange below; it is duller and darker than male blue flycatchers and lacks the wingbars of the stockier male Mugimaki Flycatcher. Female is dull brown with a faint tan wash to the upper breast and rufous tones on the tail; like the male, lacks wingbars. As with many other forest flycatchers, Slaty-backed usually sallies out to forage in clearings, edges, and near trails, typically at middle levels of the forest. Listen for its beautiful song, an undulating series of short high-pitched whistles. Calls include a high thin “tsii” and a rattling “drrrrt” reminiscent of a frog.