Melaenornis fischeri
The White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri) is a striking medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 14-16 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly slaty grey, darker on the upperparts and slightly paler below, providing excellent camouflage within its forested habitats. The most distinctive field mark, and the inspiration for its common name, is the prominent and contrasting white eye-ring that encircles its dark eyes, set against a dark bill and legs. Taxonomically, it belongs...
This species primarily inhabits montane and submontane forests, dense woodlands, and forest edges, often venturing into clearings and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars, which it procures through a classic flycatching technique of sallying from an open perch. Occasionally, small fruits may supplement its insectivorous fare.
The White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher is an active and often conspicuous bird, typically observed alone or in pairs during diurnal hours. It adopts an upright posture on exposed perches, diligently scanning for prey before launching into quick, agile sallies to hawk insects in mid-air or glean them fro...
The White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher boasts a relatively wide distribution across East and Central Africa, primarily associated with highland regions. Its breeding range extends from the southeastern parts of South Sudan, encompassing much of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Further south and east, it is ...
Least Concern
- The White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher's prominent white eye-ring is so distinctive that it's the defining feature separating it from several similar-looking African flycatcher species. - Despite its name, this species is an "Old World Flycatcher" (family Muscicapidae), distantly related to the "New W...