Satin Flycatcher

The Satin Flycatcher, Myiagra cyanoleuca, presents a striking figure in the avian world. Males are adorned with glossy blue-black plumage that contrasts sharply with their pure white underparts. Females, on the other hand, boast a more subdued palette with dusty brown-grey feathers and a conspicuous bright orange throat and chest, complemented by a white belly. Both sexes share a small, sharp, pointed beak ideal for capturing invertebrates and exhibit a characteristic upright posture with tail feathers that fan out gracefully.

Identification Tips

To identify the Satin Flycatcher, look for the male's lustrous blue-black upperparts and white belly, along with a small crest on the head. Females can be recognized by their grey-brown upperparts and vivid orange throat and chest. The species is sexually dimorphic, making the distinction between males and females quite apparent. Their small size, approximately 17 cm in height and weighing around 17g, along with their sharp beaks, are also key identification features.

Habitat

The Satin Flycatcher is known to inhabit various eucalypt forests and woodlands, where it can be seen perched on high branches, ever vigilant for its next meal.

Distribution

This species is predominantly found in south-eastern Australia, particularly during the breeding season. It resides year-round along the eastern seaboard, extending its range through New South Wales, Queensland, and even reaching Papua New Guinea. The southern coast of Australia into South Australia also hosts this bird, and it is occasionally observed as a vagrant in New Zealand.

Behaviour

The Satin Flycatcher exhibits a migratory pattern, moving to south-eastern Australia around November to breed and remaining until early January. They are known to form pairs during the breeding season, collaborating to raise their offspring. Their preference for nesting in high eucalypt branches suggests a penchant for security and vantage points.

Breeding

Breeding pairs of Satin Flycatchers lay two to three greenish-blue eggs speckled with brown spots in a meticulously constructed nest. These nests are often situated between 5 to 25 meters above ground in eucalypt trees and are crafted from bark, spider's web, and moss. The species shows fidelity to nesting sites, often returning to the same area in subsequent years.

Similar Species

The Satin Flycatcher can be confused with the Broad-billed Flycatcher and the Leaden Flycatcher. The Broad-billed Flycatcher shares a resemblance with the female Satin Flycatcher but exhibits less pronounced sexual dimorphism. The Leaden Flycatcher, meanwhile, mirrors the Satin Flycatcher's dimorphic coloration but can be differentiated by its distribution, being more common in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Diet and Feeding

Armed with their sharp beaks, Satin Flycatchers are adept at catching small invertebrates, which constitute their primary diet.

Conservation status

The Satin Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from predation by introduced Red Foxes and habitat loss along the eastern seaboard.