The lemon-bellied flyrobin or lemon-bellied flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Petroicidae. Found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Northern Australia and New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern Australia (Kimberley, Top End, and Cape York), southern New Guinea, and parts of eastern Indonesia. It favors tropical lowlands, particularly mangrove forests, monsoon forests, riverine woodland, and forest edges. Often found near water and in coastal habitats where it perches on exposed branches to forage. Also uses lightly wooded savanna and paperbark swamps, especially where understory is open.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, this species is an Australasian robin (family Petroicidae), not a true Old World flycatcher. It hunts by sallying from exposed perches to snatch flying insects and often flicks its tail between forays. The bright lemon-yellow belly is a standout field mark in shaded mangroves and monsoon forests. It is generally confiding and can be seen at forest edges and along waterways.
Temperament
active and confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in breeding season. Builds a small, neat cup nest in a forked branch or horizontal limb, often well concealed. Pairs may remain together across seasons in suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and tinkling notes, delivered from a perch. Calls include sharp chips and soft trills used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Olive-brown to gray-olive upperparts with a pale whitish throat and bright lemon-yellow belly; underparts otherwise clean and smooth. Feathers appear sleek with minimal streaking. Sexes are similar, with juveniles duller and slightly mottled.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and moths, taken in mid-air during short sallies. Also gleans spiders and other arthropods from foliage and bark. Occasionally drops to the ground to pick prey from leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Forages from open perches at forest edges, along mangrove channels, and in open understory of monsoon forest. Frequently hunts near water where insect activity is high.
