Terpsiphone – Paradise flycatchers

Includes some of the most elegant and visually striking birds in the avian world. These birds are part of the Monarchidae family and are famous for their graceful, flowing tails, agile flight, and beautiful songs. Found across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Pacific, paradise flycatchers live in a variety of habitats, from tropical forests and woodlands to gardens and plantations.

One of the most iconic species is the Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), known for its spectacular white morph in which the male displays long, silky white tail feathers that can be two to three times the length of its body. Other males may be rich chestnut or black, depending on their age and region, but all share the same slender, upright posture and lively energy. Females, on the other hand, are shorter-tailed and more subtly colored, often with warm brown tones and a contrasting black head and crest.

Paradise flycatchers are insectivorous, catching their prey mid-air with quick, acrobatic movements. They are masters of aerial hunting, darting from low perches to snatch flies, beetles, moths, and other flying insects with remarkable precision. Their broad, flat bills are equipped with bristles at the base, which help funnel and trap prey—perfect for a life on the wing. They are usually active and curious, often flitting through lower branches or hovering momentarily to pick insects off leaves.