The shining flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in northern Australia, and from the Moluccas to the Bismarck Archipelago. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical mangrove forest.
Region
Australasia and Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Moluccas and Aru Islands through New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago to northern Australia. It favors coastal and lowland habitats, especially mangrove forests, riverine thickets, and moist lowland rainforest edges. In northern Australia it is widespread along tidal creeks and paperbark swamps. On islands it is common in estuarine margins and sheltered bays with dense vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The shining flycatcher is a glossy, mangrove-loving monarch flycatcher noted for the male’s mirror-like blue-black sheen. It forages by sallying from low perches to snap insects mid-air or glean them from foliage. Pairs build neat, spiderweb-bound cup nests over or near water. They are highly vocal and territorial during the breeding season.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, especially during breeding. Pairs construct a small, neat cup nest bound with spider silk, often suspended on a forked branch over water. Female incubates most of the time while both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks along forest and mangrove edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, metallic chips and clear, ringing whistles delivered from exposed perches. The song is repetitive and carries well through mangroves and riverine vegetation.
