Shining Flycatcher

The Shining Flycatcher, Myiagra alecto, presents a striking dichotomy in plumage between the sexes. The male is resplendent in glossy blue-black feathers, a sheen that catches the light as he flits through his domain. In contrast, the female boasts a rich chestnut on her upper parts, with a starkly white underbelly. Her crown and face are a deep black, which in dimmer conditions may give the impression of a more uniformly dark appearance.

Identification Tips

To identify the Shining Flycatcher, look for a long-tailed, slender songbird with a fine bill. Males are unmistakable with their glossy blue-black plumage. Females can be discerned by their chestnut upper parts and white underparts, complemented by a black crown and face. In the field, one might compare them with the Restless and Paperbark Flycatchers, noting the distinctive coloration and song.

Habitat

This species is at home in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

Distribution

The Shining Flycatcher is found across northern Australia, and its range extends from the Moluccas to the Bismarck Archipelago.

Behaviour

Observations of the Shining Flycatcher in its natural habitat reveal a bird that is as active as it is vocal, engaging in the typical flycatcher manner of sallying forth from perches to snatch insects in mid-air with deft precision.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a clear, whistled "towhit-too-towhit," a melody that punctuates the forest soundscape and serves as an auditory beacon for this species.

Similar Species

When identifying the Shining Flycatcher, one might consider the Restless and Paperbark Flycatchers as similar species, though careful observation and attention to the song will aid in distinguishing them.

Diet and Feeding

As with other flycatchers, the Shining Flycatcher is an insectivore, adept at capturing its prey on the wing with remarkable agility and precision.

Conservation status

The Shining Flycatcher is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species graces the forests with its presence without immediate threat of decline.