GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

African Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone viridis

Overview

The African Paradise Flycatcher brings elegance and movement to Gambian woodland. Breeding males with streaming tails are especially memorable as they twist through the shade after insects.

Identification

Both sexes show a crested head, blue eye-ring and chestnut wings. Males have greatly elongated central tail feathers and occur in chestnut or white forms; females are shorter-tailed and generally chestnut-backed.

Habitat and behaviour

It uses forest, woodland, mangroves, riverine trees and mature gardens. Birds make agile aerial sallies from low or middle-level perches, often returning to the same branch. Their rough calls can reveal them within leafy cover.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

The species occurs at many wooded sites, including coastal reserves and inland riverine habitats. Quiet paths through shaded forest edge are particularly productive.

Field note

Watch for tail streamers crossing gaps between trees and follow the call. Lamin Jobaate can help distinguish African Paradise Flycatcher from the closely related Red-bellied Paradise Flycatcher found in the region.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.