The southern black flycatcher is a small passerine bird of the genus Melaenornis in the flycatcher family, Muscicapidae, native to open and lightly wooded areas of eastern and southern Africa.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely from southern to eastern Africa in open woodland, savanna, forest edge, riparian thickets, and parklands. It frequents areas with scattered trees and clear perches, including utility wires and fence lines. The species readily uses lightly wooded farmlands and suburban gardens. It avoids dense interior forest and very open treeless grassland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This glossy all-black flycatcher often perches conspicuously, sallying out to snatch insects in mid-air before returning to the same lookout. It is frequently mistaken for the fork-tailed drongo, but lacks the drongo’s red eye and forked tail and has a more delicate bill. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, including gardens and farm edges. Pairs are typically territorial year-round.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories. Pairs are monogamous and defend nesting sites during the breeding season. The nest is typically an open cup placed on a sheltered ledge, tree fork, or building crevice; both adults feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, clear whistles interspersed with soft chipping notes. Calls include sharp ‘tchik’ or ‘tsee’ contact notes and harsher alarms when disturbed.
