The blue-mantled crested flycatcher or African crested flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae found in eastern and south-eastern Africa.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and montane forests of Kenya and Tanzania south through Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and into northeastern South Africa and Eswatini. Prefers evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, riverine thickets, and dense woodland edges. Most frequently found in the shaded understory and mid-levels, where it forages actively. It will use secondary growth and well-vegetated gardens near intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the African crested flycatcher, it is a small monarch flycatcher of shady forests from East to southeastern Africa. It often joins mixed-species flocks and performs quick sallies from low perches to snatch insects. The species carries a short erectile crest and a distinctive blue-grey mantle that helps with identification in dim understory light.
T. c. vivax
Temperament
shy and active in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs maintain small territories in forest understory. The cup-shaped nest is placed in a fork or suspended from a thin branch using plant fibers and spider webs, with 2–3 eggs typically laid. Likely seasonally breeding with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin whistles and trills, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include sharp tsip notes and scolding chatters when disturbed.
Plumage
Smooth blue-grey mantle and back with darker head bearing a small erectile crest; wings and tail darker slate; underparts pale grey to whitish with cleaner whitish throat.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including flies, beetles, moths, caterpillars, and spiders. Captures prey by sallying from low to mid-level perches and by hover-gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally snatches prey from the ground or from bark crevices.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded forest understory and mid-canopy, along stream margins, and at dense forest edges. Often follows mixed-species waves to exploit disturbed insects and increased foraging opportunities.
