The Terpsiphone genus, also known as paradise flycatchers, consists of a variety of bird species belonging to the Monarchidae family. These birds can be found in Africa, Asia, and various islands. While some species migrate, the majority of them are permanent residents. One notable distinguishing feature of this genus is the long tail streamers found in males of many species. Additionally, the males and females display sexual dimorphism and possess plumage that ranges in colors of rufous, black, and white.
The paradise flycatchers are generally small birds, measuring approximately 18 to 21 cm (7.1–8.3 in) in length and weighing about 12 to 23 g (0.42–0.81 oz). They possess a medium-sized bill in either grey or blueish color, which is broad and curved at the end, and is bordered by rigid bristles. The insides of their mouths are brightly colored, with shades of yellow or green. These birds have long tails, especially the males who have remarkably elongated middle tail feathers. For instance, the male São Tomé paradise flycatcher has tail streamers that reach a length of 195 mm, while the male Indian paradise flycatcher’s streamers are even longer at 412 mm. It is believed that the purpose of this extended tail is linked to sexual selection, where females choose mates based on the length of their tails. However, not all species possess such long tail streamers. For example, the blue paradise flycatcher found in Palawan (Asia) and the Bedford’s paradise flycatcher found in montane Africa do not display exceptionally long tails. Even amongst species with shorter tails, the tail tends to be longer than the wings. Additionally, these birds have a blue eyering that surrounds their eyes, which is slightly more prominent in certain species like the rufous paradise flycatcher.
The feathers of paradise flycatchers show a distinct difference between male and female birds. The colors most commonly found in their plumage are rufous, white, and black, although there are some species that have blue feathers or hints of maroon. The degree of difference between males and females can vary greatly, with the males usually having longer tails. However, in the case of the female Bedford’s paradise flycatcher, she looks almost identical to the male but with slightly duller colors. Some species also have eye-catching crests on their heads. Interestingly, certain species like the Malagasy paradise flycatcher have males that exhibit two or more color variations.
Range and Habitat:
The range of paradise flycatchers is quite extensive, covering various regions including sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. This makes them the monarch flycatcher species with the broadest distribution. They can be found as far north as Korea and Afghanistan and are also present on numerous islands such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Additionally, these beautiful birds inhabit Madagascar, the Mascarenes, the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, as well as São Tomé off Africa’s Atlantic coast.
Many types of paradise flycatchers are known to migrate. The Japanese paradise flycatcher, for instance, breeds in Korea and Japan, but winters in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Sumatra. It can also be found in Taiwan, where it is believed to reside year-round. Meanwhile, the Indian paradise flycatcher is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and nearby areas. Although we don’t fully comprehend the movements of other species, it is generally believed that they stay in the same location throughout the year. The African paradise flycatcher has various subspecies, some of which are believed to migrate within Africa, but we have limited knowledge about their specific migratory patterns.
The paradise flycatchers live in various types of habitats, such as rainforests, montane forests, woodlands, savannas, mangroves, riparian forests, deciduous forests, and bamboo groves. Some species of these birds can also be found in gardens and cultivated areas.
In terms of behavior, paradise flycatchers, like other monarch flycatchers, are monogamous and typically have their own territories. However, in certain cases, birds may build nests close to each other and defend them together against predators. Female paradise flycatchers appear to choose males based on the length of their tails, which is a type of sexual selection. This is unusual because exaggerated sexual traits are typically found in promiscuous birds, not monogamous ones.
The nests of paradise flycatchers are well-made, deep cups that are usually placed on branches or twigs, often in forked positions. They are usually situated between 1 and 3 meters above the ground. The nests can be quite noticeable, especially when the males with long tails are incubating. However, the pair of birds fiercely defends their nest. The duties of nest-building and taking care of eggs and chicks are shared, but not always equally. For instance, in the Malagasy paradise flycatcher, the female takes on more responsibilities for brooding while the male spends more time guarding the nest.
The paradise flycatchers, as their name implies, are insectivorous birds that have a diverse diet consisting primarily of insects which they catch while flying. These beautiful birds utilize various foraging techniques such as perching and catching insects in mid-air, darting towards their prey, hovering in the air, picking insects off surfaces, and chasing after insects in flight. Additionally, they often join mixed-species groups while searching for food. For instance, the Madagascar paradise flycatcher frequently forms small flocks with the common newtonia bird while they are out foraging.
