The broad-billed flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in northern Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands and southern New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Australasia and Lesser Sundas
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and southern New Guinea. It favors moist lowland forests, monsoon vine thickets, and mangrove forests, especially along tidal creeks and river mouths. Also uses forest edges, riparian corridors, and secondary growth where dense cover and shaded perches are available. It avoids open arid habitats but readily occupies structurally complex coastal and lowland woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A compact monarch flycatcher with a noticeably wide, flat bill used to snatch insects from the air or foliage. Males and females differ in coloration, with females showing a warm rufous throat. It commonly frequents mangroves and riparian forests and helps control insect populations. Often seen making short sallies from low, shaded perches.
Broad-billed flycatcher with caterpillar - Fogg Dam, Middle Point, Northern Territory, Australia
Fogg Dam, Middle Point, Northern Territory, Australia, March 2014
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent short sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in suitable habitat. During breeding, pairs build a small cup nest in a forked branch, often over water or in mangroves. Both sexes participate in nest defense and provisioning of young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Delivers soft, clear whistles and thin, high-pitched phrases interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are often given from shaded perches and may be subdued compared to other monarch flycatchers.
Plumage
Male shows dark slate to greyish upperparts with paler underparts; female is warmer brown above with a distinct rufous throat and buffy underparts. Both sexes have a very broad, flat bill and prominent rictal bristles. Plumage is smooth with subtle contrast rather than bold patterning.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and ants; also takes small spiders. Forages by sallying from a perch to snatch prey in mid-air or by gleaning from leaves and twigs. The broad, flat bill and rictal bristles aid in capturing agile prey.
Preferred Environment
Often hunts along mangrove edges, shaded riverbanks, and within dense understory of moist forests. Prefers areas with abundant perches and broken light where insects concentrate.
