The Abyssinian slaty flycatcher, also known as Abyssinian flycatcher, Abyssinian black flycatcher or Abyssinian chocolate flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, the Old World flycatchers. It is often placed in the genus Dioptrornis. It is native to Africa, where it occurs in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Region
Ethiopian Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane forests, forest edges, and highland thickets across the Ethiopian Highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. It frequents juniper and Hagenia woodlands, riparian strips, secondary growth, and shade coffee plantations. The species often uses semi-open understory with scattered perches and also enters highland parks and gardens. It is typically resident within its elevational band and does not undertake long-distance movements.
Altitude Range
1500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Old World flycatcher is confined to the Ethiopian Highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea and is often seen sallying out from shaded perches to catch insects. It has sometimes been placed in the genus Dioptrornis in older literature. Despite its dark, rather uniform plumage, it is distinctive in its highland range and readily adapts to forest edges, coffee groves, and highland gardens.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, territorial in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, often maintaining small territories in suitable habitat. Forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season; both parents attend the nest. The nest is a neat cup placed in forks or on ledges in dense vegetation. Occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, high-pitched notes and short trills delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp tsee or tzip contact notes, repeated at intervals.
Plumage
Mostly uniform slaty to sooty plumage with a smooth, matte appearance; wings and tail slightly darker; juveniles show mottled spotting.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and small orthopterans. Hunts by flycatching—darting out from a perch to snatch prey in mid-air—and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally drops to the ground to pick small invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, riparian corridors, and shaded plantations where perches are abundant. Often uses low to mid-level strata, favoring semi-open understory and edges near cover.
