Pale Flycatcher
NamePale Flycatcher
Common NamePale Flycatcher
Scientific NameMelaenornis pallidus
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are uniformly pale grey-brown to sandy brown, with a faint pale supercilium above the eye. Underparts are whitish to buffy-white, sometimes with faint streaking on the breast. Wings and tail are darker brown.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, whistled notes and churring calls, often described as a soft "tsip" or "churr."
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south through eastern and southern Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesPlain pale brown plumage, Faint pale supercilium, Upright posture, Dark bill and legs, Insectivorous feeding behavior
Description
This medium-sized flycatcher exhibits a rather plain, pale brown or grey-brown plumage, often with a paler belly and a subtle supercilium. It typically perches upright on branches, sallying out to catch flying insects.
