Tenggara paradise flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is native to Sumbawa, Alor, Lomblen and Flores islands in the Lesser Sundas. Formerly, it was considered a subspecies of the Blyth's paradise flycatcher until elevated to species rank by the IOC in 2021.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Sumbawa, Flores, Alor, and Lembata in the Nusa Tenggara archipelago of Indonesia. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and hill forests, monsoon woodland, and forest edges. Birds often use riparian corridors and semi-open forest with a dense understory. They adapt moderately well to lightly disturbed habitats but rely on tree cover for foraging. Nests are usually placed in the midstory within intact or semi-intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A monarch flycatcher of the Lesser Sundas, the Tenggara paradise flycatcher was elevated from a subspecies of Blyth's paradise flycatcher by the IOC in 2021. Males often show elongated tail streamers and both sexes have a striking bluish bill and orbital skin that stand out against a darker head. It frequents shaded mid-canopies where it makes quick sallies for insects. The name 'Tenggara' refers to its range in the Nusa Tenggara islands of Indonesia.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks in the midstory. Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season. The nest is a neat cup bound with spider silk and placed on a horizontal fork.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, sweet series of high whistles interspersed with soft chirrs. Calls include sharp tsip notes and a scolding chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Dark glossy head and throat with pale grayish-white underparts and rich rufous wings and tail; females are duller with shorter tails. Males often show long, rufous tail streamers. Bill and orbital skin are bright bluish, contrasting with the dark head.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Forages by sallying from shaded perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. May hover briefly to pick prey from hanging foliage. Occasionally snaps up termites during brief emergences.
Preferred Environment
Midstory and lower canopy of forest and wooded edges, especially along streams and clearings where insect activity is concentrated. Often selects partially shaded perches with good visibility to launch short aerial sorties.
