Southern Black Flycatcher

Overview

The southern black flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina) is a small passerine bird native to open and lightly wooded areas of eastern and southern Africa. It is classified by the IUCN as being of Least Concern due to its wide range and common presence.

Identification

• Entirely black plumage with a black beak and black legs.
• Brown iris and a square-cut tail, distinguishing it from the fork-tailed drongo.
• Small passerine size typical of the flycatcher family.

Habitat

Native to eastern and southern Africa, ranging from Somalia and Kenya down to South Africa and Eswatini. The species inhabits open areas, light woodland, riparian corridors, plantation edges, and gardens, often near miombo, thorn trees, and mopane.

Diet

Mainly insectivorous, consuming beetles, termites, locusts, worms, spiders, and centipedes. It also sips nectar from mountain aloe flowers and eats black nightshade berries, foraging by perching on low emminences and pouncing on prey.

Did you know?

The bird sometimes forages in small flocks, often associating with fork-tailed drongos, which may lower predation risk and increase foraging success. Nests can be constructed in unconventional locations such as abandoned farm implements or banana bunches.