Paradise Flycatchers from the old hide in the woods.
22nd December 2023
With reference to the old hide/shed in the woods and flycatchers in the previous Western Bluebill blog post. This is the best place that I have been to where African Paradise and Red-bellied Paradise Flycatchers can be seen. These are quite small flycatchers with long tails that can be seen in the forests of The Gambia. Usually they are seen flitting from branch to branch very quickly and it is difficult to get prolonged views of them.
However, things are different here, they perch ridiculously closely to the hide and with great regularity. They can come as close as six feet with total confidence which is unprecedented in my experience.
There is a well-established and accepted hybridization between the species and this can be seen in various individuals at this site.
It’s quite a spectacle and worth spending an hour or two here observing these beautiful little birds.
Male African Paradise Flycatcher
Male Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher
Female Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher
Male Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher (Short tail)
Looks like a hybridization candidate.
However, things are different here, they perch ridiculously closely to the hide and with great regularity. They can come as close as six feet with total confidence which is unprecedented in my experience.
There is a well-established and accepted hybridization between the species and this can be seen in various individuals at this site.
It’s quite a spectacle and worth spending an hour or two here observing these beautiful little birds.
Male African Paradise Flycatcher
Male Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher
Female Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher
Male Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher (Short tail)
Looks like a hybridization candidate.