Paperbark Flycatcher

The Paperbark Flycatcher, Myiagra nana, also known as the Little Restless Flycatcher, is a passerine bird of the Monarchidae family. It is a smaller bird, weighing only two-thirds of its southern relative, the Restless Flycatcher. This species is characterized by its glossy black upperparts, including the crown and sides of the head, and contrasting white underparts extending from the throat to the vent.

Identification Tips

Distinguishable from its relatives by its size, the Paperbark Flycatcher is notably smaller and has a proportionately shorter and broader bill. The rictal bristles are longer and stouter, and there is no size overlap with similar species. The back and crown are a uniform glossy black, setting it apart from the Restless Flycatcher, which has a slightly paler, slate-grey back.

Habitat

In Australia, the Paperbark Flycatcher is found in tropical eucalypt woodlands, paperbark woodlands, and dry riverine woodlands. In New Guinea, it prefers scrub, partly submerged trees, and sedgeland bordering rivers on floodplains and savanna.

Distribution

This species is native to northern Australia, ranging from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Top End of the Northern Territory, to the Gulf Country and south-western Cape York Peninsula of north-west Queensland. It also inhabits southern New Guinea from Merauke eastwards to the Bensbach River in the Middle Fly District.

Behaviour

The Paperbark Flycatcher is a conspicuous bird, often seen alone or in pairs. It exhibits a restless behavior, frequently sweeping its tail from side to side and hovering near the ground while foraging.

Breeding

In northern Australia, breeding occurs from November to January. The nest is a neat cup made of bark shreds and grass stems, situated in the fork of a dead shrub near water. The species lays a single whitish egg, adorned with reddish-brown and grey spots.

Conservation status

The Paperbark Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.