Fiscal Flycatcher

The Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens, is a small, strikingly patterned bird, part of the Old World flycatcher family. It is the sole representative of its genus, easily recognized by its black and white plumage. The male exhibits a bold contrast with a black upper body and a pristine white underbelly, complemented by white wing patches and lateral tail feathers. The female, however, sports a more subdued brown upper body, akin to an immature fiscal shrike, rather than the male's stark black.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Fiscal Flycatcher, look for a bird measuring 17–20 cm in length. The male is predominantly black with white underparts, wing patches, and tail sides. The female is distinguishable by her brown upper parts. They can be mistaken for fiscal shrikes, but unlike shrikes, they lack heavy, hooked bills and white shoulder patches, and their tails are shorter and adorned with white.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical open woodlands, dry savannas, shrublands, and even suburban gardens, adapting well to human-altered landscapes.

Distribution

The Fiscal Flycatcher is a resident breeder across several southern African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Swaziland, with occasional sightings reported in Namibia.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their open-cup nests, constructed from thin stems and plant material, and lined with plant down. Nests are strategically placed in dense bushes or thickets within trees, a nesting habit reminiscent of the fiscal shrike.

Song & Calls

The Fiscal Flycatcher's vocalizations are relatively modest, with a gentle chittering song and a tssisk alarm call that can be heard in its natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Fiscal Flycatcher captures its prey both in flight and on the ground, including caterpillars which it meticulously cleans of spines before consumption. It also partakes in small wild berries from plants like Halleria and Chrysanthemoides, and enjoys the nectar of certain flowers such as Aloe. In suburban settings, it may also feed on domestic scraps.

Conservation status

The Fiscal Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at this time.