Bird of Day 73: Asian Paradise-flycatcher

Terpsiphone paradisi

Also known as the Common Flycatcher.

Asian Paradise-flycatchers inhabit thick forests and well-wooded habitats from Turkestan to Manchuria, all over India and Sri Lanka to the Malay Archipelago on the islands of Sumba and Alor. They are migratory and spend the winter season in tropical Asia.

The adult bird is 19-22cm long. The bird featured here is a male of the species. The female has a rufous back and grey underparts. Male Asian Paradise-flycatchers change the colour of their plumage in the first few years of their lives. As adult they develop up to 24 cm long tail feathers. Their rufous plumage moults into white with the central pair of tail feathers growing up to 30 cm long streamers that droop.

Terpsiphone paradisi makes a neat cup nest made with twigs and spider webs on the end of a low branch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asian_Paradise_Flycatcher_(Terpsiphone_paradisi)-_male_at_nest_W_IMG_9261.jpg
Both male and female incubate the eggs.

Asian Paradise-flycatchers are noisy birds uttering sharp skreek calls. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched.

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