Elminia longicauda
The African Blue Flycatcher, *Elminia longicauda*, is a captivating passerine known for its striking cobalt-blue plumage and disproportionately long tail, making it a favorite sighting among birders in its range. Averaging 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length, with its tail often comprising half of its total length, and weighing a mere 7-10 grams, it is a small, agile bird. Key field marks include its vibrant blue upperparts contrasting sharply with a clean white belly, a slender black bill, and d...
This species primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, including gallery forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to about 2,000 meters.
The diet of the African Blue Flycatcher consists almost exclusively of small insects, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and ants. It primarily forages using aerial hawking, gleaning, and hovering techniques.
The African Blue Flycatcher is a highly active, diurnal insectivore, constantly flitting through the undergrowth and sub-canopy. Its foraging strategy is characterized by aerial hawking, where it sallies out from a perch to snatch insects in flight, gleaning prey from leaves, and occasional hover...
The African Blue Flycatcher is a widespread resident across much of tropical Africa, primarily inhabiting the Guineo-Congolian forests and associated woodlands. Its distribution spans from Senegal and Gambia in West Africa, eastward through southern Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon...
Least Concern
- The African Blue Flycatcher is not a 'true' flycatcher; it belongs to the family Stenostiridae, making it a 'fairy flycatcher' with unique evolutionary traits. - Its exceptionally long tail can make up almost half of its total body length, giving it an elegant, slender appearance. - This bird i...