The red-bellied paradise flycatcher, also known as the black-headed paradise flycatcher, is a medium-sized passerine bird of the family of monarch flycatchers. It is native to intra-tropical forests of Africa. The male bird is about 17 cm (7 in) long and has a black head, a mainly chestnut body, and a tail with streamers nearly twice as long as the body. The colouring is somewhat variable across the bird's range. Both females and juveniles lack the tail streamers and are a duller brown colour. It is closely related to the African paradise flycatcher, and the two can hybridise.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, including mature primary forest, secondary growth, and well-wooded gallery forests. It favors the shaded understory and midstory, often near streams and forest edges. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance if sufficient canopy and understory structure remain. It is generally absent from open savannas and very dry habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the black-headed paradise flycatcher, this species inhabits humid forests across tropical West and Central Africa. Males sport long chestnut tail streamers that can be nearly twice the body length and are used in display flights. It occasionally hybridizes with the African paradise flycatcher where ranges meet, which can complicate identification. Pairs often join mixed-species flocks while foraging in the forest understory.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within territories, but often joins mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Pairs build a small cup nest suspended in a forked twig, typically a few meters above ground. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, with the male sometimes displaying his streamers during courtship.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and soft twitters, interspersed with sharper chups. The song is modest in volume but carries in quiet forest, and calls are given frequently while foraging.
