The blue-headed crested flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae, native to the African tropical forest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen forests, including mature primary forest, riverine gallery forest, and well-developed secondary growth. It favors dense, humid understorey with vine tangles and sapling thickets, but also forages in the mid-canopy along gaps and edges. Frequently found near streams and in forest interior where cover is continuous. Local occurrence tracks intact forest blocks and connected habitat corridors.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small monarch flycatcher of African tropical forests, it spends much of its time in the shaded understorey and mid-story. The slight erectile crest and bluish head are key field marks. It often joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage and making short sallies. Sensitive to extensive forest loss, it can persist in well-vegetated secondary growth and along forest edges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, joining small mixed-species flocks while foraging. Likely monogamous, building a neat cup nest suspended or placed in a forked branch in the understorey. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings and defending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched whistles and soft trills interspersed with short chip notes. Calls are frequent contact notes when moving through foliage with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Compact flycatcher with a small, erectable crest; head bluish to blue-grey contrasting with darker olive-brown to grey upperparts and paler underparts. Throat and belly are lighter with subtle grey wash; wings and tail slightly darker with a soft sheen.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, caterpillars, and ants. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and makes short aerial sallies to snatch flying insects. May occasionally take small spiders and other arthropods, and rarely small soft fruits when abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understorey and lower to mid-canopy, especially along vine tangles, saplings, and forest edges. Often works along streams and light gaps where insect activity is higher.
