The silverbird is an Old World flycatcher native to Eastern Africa, from Sudan to Tanzania. The species is the only member of the genus Empidornis, although it is sometimes placed in the genus Melaenornis .
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from South Sudan and Ethiopia south through Uganda and Kenya to northern Tanzania. It favors open, semi-arid to arid habitats including acacia savanna, thorn scrub, and bushy riverine edges. Common around rocky slopes, dry woodland edges, and lightly cultivated areas with scattered shrubs. Often perches conspicuously on low branches, fence posts, or termite mounds in open country.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Silverbird is an Old World flycatcher of dry East African savannas and the sole member of the genus Empidornis, though it is sometimes placed in Melaenornis. Males show a striking silvery-gray head contrasting with rich orange underparts, making them easy to spot on open perches. They sally out from exposed branches to catch flying insects and also drop to the ground for prey. Pairs are typically territorial and often breed with the rains.
Male silverbird in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs defend territories and nest in shrubs or low trees, often timed with the rainy season. Both parents feed the young, and birds frequently return to favored perches for foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, sweet whistled phrases interspersed with soft trills. Calls include sharp ticks and churring notes, often delivered from an exposed perch.
Plumage
Male has a silvery-gray head and mantle with black wings and tail, and vivid rufous-orange underparts. Female is browner and duller above with paler orange underparts; juveniles show some mottling or faint streaks. The overall look is of strong contrast between the cool-toned upperparts and warm underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as beetles, flies, termites, grasshoppers, and ants; also takes spiders and other small arthropods. Forages by flycatching from open perches and by dropping to the ground to glean. Occasionally picks prey from foliage and may take small berries opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Open acacia and thorn scrub, bushy savanna, rocky slopes, and riverine thickets with scattered perches. Also uses edges of cultivation and villages where shrubs and open ground are available.
