Terpsiphone floris
The Tenggara Paradise Flycatcher, *Terpsiphone floris*, is a breathtaking passerine bird renowned for the male's exceptionally long tail streamers, often more than twice its body length. Adult males typically measure around 18-21 cm (7-8 inches) excluding the tail, which can add another 25-35 cm (10-14 inches), and weigh approximately 15-20 grams. They exhibit striking sexual dimorphism; males boast a glossy blue-black head with an erectile crest, a prominent blue eye-ring, and rufous-chestnu...
Primarily inhabits moist deciduous and evergreen forests, monsoon forests, and secondary growth up to elevations of approximately 1,200 meters (3,900 feet). Favors areas with dense undergrowth and tall trees, often near water sources.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of flying insects and other small invertebrates. Forages by aerial hawking and gleaning from foliage.
The Tenggara Paradise Flycatcher is a diurnal species, active throughout the day, often foraging singly or in pairs in the mid-story and canopy. It employs a classic "sally-glean" or "aerial hawking" strategy, perching upright on a branch, scanning for insects, and then making swift, agile flight...
The Tenggara Paradise Flycatcher is an endemic resident species found exclusively within the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Its primary range encompasses the islands of Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo, and Rinca, where the nominate subspecies *T. f. floris* resides. A distinct subspecies, *T. f. sumb...
Least Concern
- The male Tenggara Paradise Flycatcher's central tail streamers can grow to be more than double the length of its body, sometimes reaching up to 35 cm! - Its scientific genus name, *Terpsiphone*, means "delightful voice" or "delightful singing," a nod to the melodious calls of many species in th...