The paperbark flycatcher, also known as the little restless flycatcher, is a passerine bird in the family Monarchidae. It occurs in tropical woodland and riverine habitats of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Previously, some authorities lumped the paperbark flycatcher as a distinctive subspecies of the restless flycatcher of southern and eastern Australia, with which it forms a superspecies.
Region
Northern Australia and southern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia from the Kimberley through the Top End to Cape York, and in the southern lowlands of New Guinea. Prefers riverine forests, paperbark swamps, mangrove margins, and open eucalypt or savanna woodlands with nearby water. Often uses exposed perches along creeks, billabongs, and floodplain edges for foraging. It tolerates lightly modified habitats and ecotones between forest and open country. During the dry season it concentrates around permanent water.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the little restless flycatcher, it closely resembles the restless flycatcher but is smaller and occurs in the tropical north. It frequents paperbark (Melaleuca) swamps, river edges, and open woodland, often making short sallies to catch insects. Its call includes a distinctive raspy, mechanical buzz reminiscent of a 'scissors-grinding' sound. It is part of the monarch flycatcher family (Monarchidae).
Fogg Dam, Northern Territory
Temperament
restless and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in the breeding season. Builds a neat, shallow cup nest from fine fibers and spider webs, typically placed on a horizontal branch over or near water. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding of young. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed-species foraging groups.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a distinctive buzzing, rasping call often compared to a 'scissors-grinding' or mechanical buzz, repeated in short series. Also utters sharp ticks and thin whistles during foraging and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Glossy black head and upperparts contrasting with a clean white throat and belly, often with a pale buff wash across the breast and flanks. Feathers sleek and close-fitting; tail moderately long and straight-edged.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying and arboreal insects such as flies, beetles, moths, dragonflies, and small wasps. Hunts by sallying from exposed perches and by short hover-gleans among foliage. Occasionally takes prey from the ground or water surface. Uses rictal bristles to help capture fast-moving prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, riparian corridors, paperbark swamps, and open savanna with scattered trees. Frequently selects perches near water where insect activity is high and visibility is good.
