Fairy Flycatcher

Overview

The fairy flycatcher, also known as the fairy warbler (Stenostira scita), is a small passerine bird and the sole member of the genus Stenostira. It is an endemic resident of southern Africa and is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 11–12 cm with a pale grey upper body.
• Black mask through the eye with a white supercilium and white throat.
• Black wings featuring a long white stripe, and a long black tail with white sides.
• Belly is white with a pinkish-grey wash to the centre, while the eye, bill, and legs are all black.

Habitat

This species is an endemic resident breeder in Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia, with occasional vagrancy to Zimbabwe and Eswatini. It breeds in karoo scrub and fynbos in the southern highlands but migrates north to spend the southern winter in thorn scrub at lower altitudes.

Diet

The bird feeds on small insects and other invertebrates. It forages in the foliage in a manner similar to a warbler.

Did you know?

The fairy flycatcher is monogamous, but will seek a new partner if its current mate dies.