Terpsiphone bourbonnensis
The Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher (*Terpsiphone bourbonnensis*) is a captivating passerine endemic to the Mascarene Islands, renowned for the male's strikingly elongated tail streamers. These elegant birds measure approximately 15-17 cm in body length, excluding the male's impressive tail which can add another 10-20 cm. Adults exhibit a glossy dark blue-black head and crest, contrasting with rufous-chestnut upperparts and creamy-white underparts. A prominent blue orbital ring encircles their ...
This species primarily inhabits native evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, preferring dense undergrowth and a mosaic of open spaces and canopy cover. It can be found from sea level up to montane forests, often frequenting ravines and wooded valleys.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of insects, including flies, moths, beetles, and larvae, which they capture primarily by aerial hawking and occasional gleaning from vegetation.
Mascarene Paradise Flycatchers are active diurnal birds, constantly flitting through the understory and mid-canopy in search of prey. Their primary foraging strategy involves aerial hawking, where they sally forth from a perch to snatch insects in mid-air with agile precision, though they also gl...
The Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher is endemic to the Mascarene Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, with distinct subspecies found on Réunion and Mauritius. The nominate subspecies, *Terpsiphone bourbonnensis bourbonnensis*, is widespread and relatively common across Réunion Island, inhabiting forests...
Least Concern
- The male Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher's tail streamers can be twice the length of its body, making it one of the most distinctive features among Mascarene birds. - The Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher is an excellent example of island endemism, having evolved in isolation on these volcanic island...