The black-winged flycatcher-shrike is a species of bird in the flycatcher-shrike genus, Hemipus. It is usually placed in the Vangidae. It is found in the Malay Peninsula and the Greater Sunda Islands. Its natural habitats are lowland forests and sometimes swamps and mangroves. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as being of least concern.
Region
Sundaland (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java)
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Malay Peninsula southward and on the Greater Sunda Islands, where it inhabits primary and secondary lowland evergreen forest, forest edges, swamps, and mangroves. It favors the midstory to canopy but will descend to lower levels along edges and clearings. The species adapts moderately well to lightly disturbed habitats, provided tree cover remains. It is generally absent from heavily degraded open areas. Local densities can be higher in forest mosaics with a mix of tall trees and gaps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active canopy bird of Sundaland, the black-winged flycatcher-shrike often joins mixed-species flocks as it hunts insects. Despite its name, it is usually placed in the family Vangidae rather than with true flycatchers. It perches upright and makes short sallies to snatch prey, frequently foraging along forest edges and in mangroves. The species is assessed as Least Concern but is sensitive to extensive lowland forest loss.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small cup nest on a horizontal branch, with both parents participating in care. Territorial calls are given from exposed perches within the mid to upper canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are thin, high-pitched whistles and short trills, often delivered in quick series. Vocalizations can be subtle and easily overlooked amid mixed-flock activity.
Plumage
Glossy black to blackish upperparts with contrasting clean white underparts; wings largely black with sharp black-and-white contrast. Tail is dark with pale edges and a hint of white toward the rump. Females and immatures are duller, with more brownish-grey tones above.
Diet
Primarily hunts small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Captures prey by sallying from perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally hawks flying insects in short, direct flights. Foraging is typically methodical but punctuated by quick, darting movements.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of lowland forest, along edges, and in mangrove stands. Often feeds along sunlit gaps and roadsides where insects are abundant. Joins mixed flocks to exploit disturbed or productive patches efficiently.
