Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher

Overview

The Malagasy paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata) is a medium-sized passerine bird belonging to the family Monarchidae. It is a regional endemic found across Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Comoros islands.

Identification

• Medium-sized passerine measuring 18 cm in length and weighing between 12.1 and 12.3 g.
• Males possess long tail plumes that can add up to 18 cm to their overall length.
• Females are largely rufous-orange with a black head and nape, black flight feathers with rufous edges, and a thin, light blue eyelid wattle.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and moist lowland forests, as well as plantations, gardens, and secondary forest. It is found at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,600 m across its range in Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Comoros islands.

Diet

As an insectivore, it feeds on a variety of insects and regularly joins mixed-species flocks where it acts as a follower, hunting prey flushed by other birds like common newtonias. Its foraging efficiency is directly correlated to the number of common newtonias in the flock, and it may forage closer to the ground when following rufous vangas.

Did you know?

The genus name Terpsiphone is derived from Greek words meaning 'delighted in voice', reflecting the species' vocalisations. Additionally, the species is occasionally subject to brood parasitism by the Madagascar cuckoo.