Broad-billed Flycatcher

Overview

The broad-billed flycatcher (Myiagra ruficollis) is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in northern Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and southern New Guinea, where it inhabits various types of moist forest environments.

Identification

• Size ranges from 14 to 17 cm.

Habitat

Natural habitats include subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, mangrove forest, and moist montane forest. In northern Australia, it is commonly found in moist forests and scrub surrounding permanent and seasonal fresh water areas such as billabongs and wet season marshes.

Diet

The bird feeds in the forest canopy on insects and small invertebrates. Unlike related species such as the paperbark flycatcher, it is rarely seen hawking for insects in open areas outside the canopy.

Did you know?

The name "broad-billed flycatcher" is also used as an alternate name for the Melanesian flycatcher, despite being distinct species.