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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with olive-tinged upperparts; wings slightly darker with subtle edging. Plumage is smooth and neat, giving a clean, compact appearance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as other tiny arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. Foraging is quick and deliberate, with frequent tail flicks and short hops through dense vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in the lower to mid-story of moist lowland forest, dense thickets, and secondary growth near forest edges. It also works along shaded paths, vine tangles, and riverine scrub where insects concentrate.
