Seychelles Paradise Flycather on La Digue Special reserve on La Digue

The Seychelles Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone corvina) is a rare bird from the genus of paradise-flycatchers (Terpsiphone) within the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the Seychelles.

Description

The length of the males is about 20 cm. In addition there are two long black central tail feathers which can reach a length of 30 cm. The females can reach a length between 16 and 18 cm (including the tail). The males are entirely glossy black with a deep blue sheen. The upperparts of the females including wings and tail are reddish brown. The underparts are pale cream white. Facial skin, bill, and legs are blue.

Distribution

It lives in the Veuve Nature Reserve on La Digue, Seychelles where it inhabits dense Calophyllum forests.

Ecology

It preys on insects in flight or from a perch. It also feeds on larvae and spiders. The oval bowl-shaped nest is built on branches and consists of twigs, palm fibre, and spider webs.