The black paradise flycatcher, also known as the Japanese paradise flycatcher, is a medium-sized passerine bird native to southeastern Asia. It is a glossy black, chestnut and white bird, slightly smaller than either the Amur paradise flycatcher or Blyth's paradise flycatcher, but similar in appearance. Males have exceptionally long tails. Females are generally duller in appearance and have shorter tails.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily in southern Japan (including Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Ryukyus), locally in southern Korea (including Jeju), and parts of Taiwan. In the non-breeding season it migrates to Southeast Asia, wintering in the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. Prefers mature evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests with dense understory, especially along shaded streams and ravines. During migration and winter it also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and wooded gardens, but generally avoids heavily degraded habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Japanese paradise flycatcher, this striking bird breeds mainly in Japan and parts of Korea and Taiwan and winters farther south in Southeast Asia. Males sport exceptionally long black tail streamers and a bluish eye-ring and bill base, while females are shorter-tailed and duller. It builds a neat, camouflaged cup nest on a forked branch, often over or near streams. Ongoing forest loss on both breeding and wintering grounds is a concern for the species.
T. a. periophthalmica
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Builds a small, neat cup nest bound with spider silk and camouflaged with lichens, usually suspended from a horizontal fork over or near water. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a sweet, clear series of whistles and phrases, often delivered from shaded perches within the canopy. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes when alarmed or during territorial encounters.
Plumage
Male with glossy black head, throat, and upper breast with a purplish sheen, rich chestnut mantle and wings, and long black tail streamers; underparts dark with some whitish on the belly. Female is chestnut above with greyer underparts, dark head and throat less glossy, and a shorter, rounded tail. Both sexes show a contrasting bluish orbital ring and bill base.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as moths, beetles, flies, and dragonflies. Also gleans caterpillars and other arthropods from foliage and twigs. Occasionally takes small berries when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory to mid-canopy of mature forests, especially along stream corridors and shaded ravines. During migration and winter it also feeds at forest edges and in semi-open woodland.
