The Seychelles paradise flycatcher is a rare bird from the genus of paradise flycatchers (Terpsiphone) within the family Monarchidae. It is a forest-dwelling bird endemic to the Seychelles where it is native to the island of La Digue. Males have glossy black plumage with elongated tail feathers, while females are reddish-brown with pale underparts and no long tail feathers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this bird as being "Vulnerable" and attempts have been made to increase its numbers by relocating some individuals to Denis Island, another island in the Seychelles archipelago.
Region
Seychelles Archipelago
Typical Environment
This species inhabits native broadleaf woodland, coastal forest with takamaka and casuarina, and shaded groves and gardens on granitic islands. It prefers dense, humid understory with scattered perches from which it sallies after prey. On La Digue it occurs from coastal lowlands into interior woodland, and a translocated population persists on Denis Island. Habitat quality and availability of mature trees and mid-story cover are key to its occurrence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known locally as the Vev, this flycatcher is one of the Seychelles’ flagship conservation species. Males sport spectacular elongated tail streamers, while females are more cryptic and tailless. A successful translocation to Denis Island helped buffer the species against threats on its small native range.
Male on La Digue
Nesting female
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from perches; agile flier
Social Behavior
Typically found as territorial pairs, especially in the breeding season. Nests are small, neat cups bound with spider silk and placed on horizontal forks. Both sexes participate in feeding the young, and pairs often reuse favored territories across years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of whistles and thin, metallic notes interspersed with sharp scolds. Calls are given frequently during foraging and become more persistent near the nest or when intruders approach.
