Terpsiphone incei
The Amur Paradise Flycatcher, *Terpsiphone incei*, is an exceptionally elegant and visually striking passerine, particularly the breeding male with its dramatically elongated central tail streamers. Males typically measure 19-23 cm (7.5-9 inches) excluding the streamers, which can reach an astonishing 25-35 cm (10-14 inches), showcasing a glossy black head, a vibrant rufous-chestnut body, and a contrasting black tail. Females are similar but lack the extended streamers, possessing a shorter t...
This species primarily inhabits broadleaf deciduous or mixed forests, woodland edges, and bamboo groves, often near water sources, favoring low to mid-elevation areas up to approximately 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, moths, beetles, and small butterflies, captured predominantly through aerial hawking.
Amur Paradise Flycatchers are active diurnal birds, often seen flitting gracefully through the forest understory or canopy. Their foraging strategy involves agile aerial hawking, sallying out from a perch to snatch flying insects in mid-air. During the breeding season, males are highly territoria...
The Amur Paradise Flycatcher breeds primarily across Northeast Asia, including the Russian Far East (Amurland, Ussuriland), northeastern China (Manchuria, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong provinces), and the Korean Peninsula. It is a summer visitor to these regions, arriving in late spring to establish te...
Least Concern
- The male Amur Paradise Flycatcher's tail streamers can grow to be more than twice the length of its body, making it one of the most disproportionately tailed birds in the world. - Despite their delicate appearance, these birds are powerful and agile fliers, capable of intricate aerial maneuvers...