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Overview
Little yellow flycatcher

Little yellow flycatcher

Wikipedia

The little yellow flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Erythrocercidae. It is found in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.

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Distribution

Region

East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily along the coastal and near-coastal lowlands of Somalia, Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania. It favors moist lowland forests, dense secondary growth, and scrubby thickets near forest edges. The species also uses riverine woodland and overgrown clearings where insect prey is abundant. It keeps to the lower and mid-levels of vegetation, moving quickly through tangles and understory.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1100 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm
Wing Span16–19 cm
Male Weight0.008 kg
Female Weight0.007 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A tiny, active flycatcher of East Africa’s coastal belt, it belongs to the family Erythrocercidae. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks in thickets and forest edges and frequently flicks its tail while gleaning insects. The species is generally unobtrusive but can be detected by its thin, high-pitched calls.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

active and inquisitive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically seen alone, in pairs, or as part of mixed-species flocks moving through the understory and edges. Breeding pairs maintain small territories and build well-concealed cup nests in dense foliage. Both parents participate in feeding the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Gives thin, high-pitched tseep and seee notes interspersed with brief trills. The song is soft and somewhat sibilant, often delivered from low cover while foraging.

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