THIS week we look at another species in the Flycatcher family, the Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher. Although resident in our area, it is not often spotted and, sometimes after a cursory glance, may even be dismissed as a Dark-capped Bulbul which are ever present in our area and similar in size.
Males and females have different plumage, with the male more striking given its black hood and large crest. The female is somewhat drab and grey in comparison. The male also has very prominent white marking on the wings which helps to distinguish it from other species of flycatcher. Both males and females are similar in size at around 15cm and 10g.
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They are found in most of the forested areas of sub-Saharan Africa and in South Africa only on the eastern coastline from Betty’s Bay in the cape up to the Kruger Park, where they are uncommon.
They are found mainly in riverine forests, working their way below the main canopy.
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They tend to feed on the wing, taking short flights from a perch. They feed on a wide variety of insects, including caterpillars, moths, butterflies, katydids, tree crickets, beetles, true bugs and others.
They are monogamous and pair for life. They build a very neat and compact cup nest that is usually not much bigger than 45mm in diameter. The female will lay two or three eggs between October and December. Both adults incubate and both feed the chicks.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
