Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher
NameBlue-headed Crested Flycatcher
Common NameBlue-headed Crested Flycatcher
Scientific NameTrochocercus nitens
FamilyMonarchidae
Wingspan (cm)17.5
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)10.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy blue-black head and a prominent, spiky crest, with dark blue-grey upperparts and white underparts. Females are similar but duller, with a less pronounced crest and often a greyish wash on the head.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include high-pitched, thin whistles and buzzing notes, often rendered as 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or a drawn-out 'zzzzzz-tsee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south to Angola.
Identifying FeaturesProminent spiky crest, Glossy blue-black head (males), Dark blue-grey upperparts, White underparts, Small size
Description
This small, active flycatcher is characterized by its prominent crest and glossy blue-black head. It typically forages for insects in the mid-story and canopy of tropical forests, often joining mixed-species flocks.
