Seychelles Paradise-Flycatcher
NameSeychelles Paradise-Flycatcher
Common NameSeychelles Paradise-Flycatcher
Scientific NameTerpsiphone corvina
FamilyMonarchidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely glossy black with a deep blue iridescent sheen, a prominent bright blue orbital ring, and a bright blue bill. They possess very long, ribbon-like central tail feathers, extending their total length significantly. Females have a glossy black head and chest, rufous-brown upperparts and tail, and whitish underparts, also with a blue orbital ring and bill, but lack the long tail streamers. Juveniles resemble females but are duller.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of sharp, churring notes, harsh 'tchew-tchew' calls, and more melodious, whistled phrases.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Seychelles archipelago, primarily found on La Digue island, with small reintroduced populations on Praslin and Curieuse.
Identifying Featuresglossy black plumage (male), long ribbon-like tail streamers (male), bright blue orbital ring, bright blue bill, rufous-brown back (female), endemic to Seychelles
Description
This critically endangered flycatcher is endemic to the Seychelles, known for its striking appearance. Males are entirely glossy black with long tail streamers, while females are rufous-brown with a black head. They are active insectivores, often seen hawking insects in the forest canopy.
