The white-tailed blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Stenostiridae. It is found in Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Region
East and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Angola across south-central and eastern Africa through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. Prefers woodland, forest edge, riparian thickets, and secondary growth, including miombo and other open-canopy woodlands. Frequently forages at low to mid levels, especially along clearings and paths where aerial insects are abundant. Tolerant of lightly disturbed habitats and can be seen near villages and plantations adjacent to natural woodland.
Altitude Range
500–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, active flycatcher of African woodlands, it is famous for constantly fanning and flicking its contrasting white tail. It often joins mixed-species flocks, darting out from low to mid-level perches to snatch insects. Although called a flycatcher, it belongs to the family Stenostiridae (fairy-flycatchers), not the true Old World flycatchers. Sexes are similar and both parents typically help feed the young.
White-tailed blue flycatcher in Bwindi, Uganda
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a neat cup-shaped nest placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees. Likely monogamous; both sexes participate in territory defense and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched trills and sweet whistles delivered from a low perch. Calls include soft twitters and sharp tsit notes, often given while flicking the tail.
Plumage
Glossy blue to bluish-slate upperparts with paler bluish-grey underparts and striking white outer tail feathers that are often fanned. Feathers are sleek and slightly crested at the crown, giving a spiky look. Tail is relatively long with clean white edges, enhancing contrast during flicking displays.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and termites; also takes small spiders and other arthropods. Employs sallying flight from exposed perches and short dashes to glean from foliage. Captures prey mid-air with quick, precise movements and returns to the same or nearby perch. Foraging is energetic with frequent tail-fanning, which may help flush insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in open woodland, thickets, riparian corridors, and secondary growth. Often uses sunlit gaps, trails, and clearings where insect activity is concentrated. Readily associates with mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
