Broad-billed Flycatcher

The Broad-billed Flycatcher, Myiagra ruficollis, is a small, vibrant bird belonging to the Monarchidae family. It is adorned with a distinctive broad bill, which it skillfully uses to capture insects. This species exhibits a size range of 14 to 17 cm, making it a modestly sized bird within its habitat.

Identification Tips

When observing the Broad-billed Flycatcher, look for its broad bill, which is a key characteristic. The bird's plumage and size are also distinguishing features, with a length that spans between 14 to 17 cm.

Habitat

The Broad-billed Flycatcher is typically found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, and moist montane forests. In northern Australia, it favors moist forests and scrublands near permanent and seasonal freshwater sources, such as billabongs and wet season marshes.

Distribution

This species graces the northern regions of Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and southern New Guinea with its presence. It is a bird that appreciates the lushness of tropical environments.

Behaviour

The Broad-billed Flycatcher is known to feed within the forest canopy, where it actively hunts for insects and small invertebrates. Unlike some of its relatives, such as the Paperbark Flycatcher, it is not commonly seen hawking for insects in open areas outside the canopy.

Similar Species

The Broad-billed Flycatcher may be confused with the Paperbark Flycatcher (Myiagra nana) due to their co-residence in similar habitats. However, the Broad-billed Flycatcher can be distinguished by its less frequent hawking behavior in open areas and its unique bill shape.

Diet and Feeding

This bird's diet consists primarily of insects and small invertebrates, which it captures in the forest canopy. Its broad bill is an adaptation that aids in its foraging strategy.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Broad-billed Flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.