Fraser's forest flycatcher, also known as the African forest-flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found throughout the intra-tropical rainforest of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Central and West African Rainforest
Typical Environment
Occurs across the intra-tropical forest belt of sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa through the Congo Basin to western Uganda and northern Angola. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland evergreen forest, forest edges, and gallery forests. Most often found in the shaded understory to midstory, including along forest streams and clearings. Tolerates some disturbance but favors areas with continuous canopy and dense lower-tier vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fraser's forest flycatcher is a quiet understory hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks in African rainforests. It typically sallies from shaded perches to snatch insects, flicking its tail and wings between short forays. Its plumage is subtle, but a small pale wing panel can be a helpful field mark. Despite widespread habitat loss in parts of its range, it remains generally common where intact forest persists.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between brief sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs within territories, but frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are placed in concealed sites in dense vegetation, often low to mid-level in the forest. Both parents participate in caring for young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and soft trills delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include dry ticks and soft seep notes used to keep contact while moving through the understory.
