Bird

Paradise Flycatcher Sightings

Terpsiphone viridis

Least ConcernPrey speciesFound in 5 parks

Want to know where and when to find Paradise Flycatcher? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.

Where to see Paradise Flycatcher in South Africa

About the Paradise Flycatcher

The African paradise flycatcher is a striking insect-eating bird found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has glossy dark upperparts, pale underparts and a distinctive crest, with males often possessing elongated central tail feathers. Plumage varies considerably between populations and colour forms. It is mainly arboreal and feeds on insects caught in flight or picked from vegetation. It is commonly found in woodland, forest edges, riverine vegetation and gardens.

How to identify the Paradise Flycatcher

Slender flycatcher with a long tail, often with elongated central tail feathers. Males are strikingly coloured with a dark head and crest, chestnut wings and back, and a pale or greyish underside. Females are duller and lack the male’s strongly elongated tail.

Did you know?

The male’s spectacular long tail feathers can be several times longer than those of the female and are used in courtship displays.

Also known as: African Paradise Flycatcher, Paradysvlieëvanger, Flycatcher

Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Paradise Flycatcher, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.