The Malagasy paradise flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Western Indian Ocean islands (Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte)
Typical Environment
Common across Madagascar from humid eastern rainforests to western dry deciduous forests, also occurring on the Comoros and Mayotte. It uses forest interiors, edges, riparian corridors, and regenerating secondary growth, and it can enter shaded plantations and large gardens. The species typically forages in the understory to midstory but will sally into clearings and along trails. It tolerates some habitat modification provided tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Adult males often have very long tail streamers and occur in striking color morphs, ranging from rich rufous to mostly white with a glossy black head. The species is adaptable, using both primary rainforest and secondary growth, and can frequent wooded gardens. Nests are neat, cup-shaped structures bound with spider silk and placed in forked branches.
Female malagasy paradise flycatcher
Female Terpsiphone mutata nesting. The small eye ring is not typical of the Madagascar sub-species and this may be one of the Comoro Islands sub-species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding small territories. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and both sexes participate in nest building and incubation. The cup nest is placed in a fork, bound with spider silk, and typically contains 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of clear whistles mixed with sharp tchip notes and scolds. Males deliver more frequent, melodious phrases from exposed perches during breeding.
