Elminia nigromitrata
The Dusky Crested Flycatcher, *Elminia nigromitrata*, is a striking member of the Stenostiridae family, a group often referred to as Afrotropical Crested Flycatchers or Fairy Flycatchers. This small passerine typically measures 12-14 cm in length and weighs around 8-12 grams. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent glossy black crest, contrasting sharply with its deep greyish-blue upperparts, steely blue wings and tail, and a pristine white belly and undertail coverts. A key field mark is...
Primarily found in primary and secondary moist broadleaf tropical and subtropical forests, inhabiting both the canopy and mid-story, typically from lowlands up to elevations of 2,000 meters.
Feeds almost exclusively on small insects, including flies, beetles, caterpillars, and ants, primarily caught through active aerial pursuit or gleaning from leaves.
The Dusky Crested Flycatcher is a highly active and diurnal bird, constantly flitting through the forest undergrowth and mid-story. It is an agile aerial insectivore, primarily employing a "sally-glean" foraging strategy, darting out from a perch to snatch insects in mid-air or off foliage, often...
The Dusky Crested Flycatcher is a widespread resident across the Afrotropical realm, predominantly found within the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests of West, Central, and East Africa. Its breeding and wintering ranges are contiguous as it is a non-migratory species. The species ex...
Least Concern
- The Dusky Crested Flycatcher belongs to the Stenostiridae family, an "Afrotropical" group of small, agile insectivores, distinct from true Old World flycatchers. - Its scientific name, *nigromitrata*, literally means "black-capped," referring to its striking, glossy black crest. - Despite its s...