The sooty flycatcher is a species of bird in the Old world flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary rainforest, secondary growth, and forest edges. It uses interior forest as well as gaps and light-filled clearings where aerial insects are abundant. The species perches in the midstory to upper levels and makes short forays to capture prey. It can also be found along rivers and gallery forests within its range.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, dark Old World flycatcher, the sooty flycatcher spends long periods perched quietly before sallying out to catch flying insects. It favors shaded midstory to canopy perches in humid forests and often goes unnoticed due to its uniform sooty plumage. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges and clearings. Nests are small cups placed on branches or forks, camouflaged with plant fibers.
Temperament
unobtrusive and quiet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, occasionally joins mixed-species flocks along edges and clearings. Pairs defend small breeding territories within suitable forest. The nest is a small cup placed on a branch or fork, built from plant fibers and other fine materials. Both parents are involved in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is soft and high-pitched, a series of thin tseet and tsee notes delivered from a shaded perch. Calls are quiet, often given during short sallies or when agitated, making the bird easy to overlook.
