The Northern Black Flycatchers, Melaenornis edolioides, is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family Muscicapidae.
Description:
The Northern Black Flycatcher is 20 cm long. It is a large upright long-tailed flycatcher. The adult is uniformly black. Juveniles are blackish-brown with buff scaling.
The long square-ended tail helps to distinguish this species from two other all-black insectivores, the Fork-tailed Drongo and the shorter-tailed and red-eyed Square-tailed Drongo.
Northern Black Flycatchers are small and unobtrusive birds that measure between 15 cm to 16cm (5.9 inches to 6.3 inch). Its name implies that it has a predominantly dark black plumage. However, this can also appear greyish or dark brown, particularly on its wings and back. The underparts of the bird are paler, and contrast with the darker upper parts. The bird’s muted coloring allows it to blend in with its surroundings. It is difficult to see it among the dense foliage and forest edges, where it usually resides.
The Northern Black Flycatcher’s small, slender, and slightly rounded bill are its most distinguishing features. They allow it to catch insects as they fly. The bill’s base is flattened, which makes it more effective at catching flying insects. It has alert, dark eyes which help it to see prey clearly. The plumage of males and females is very similar. There is no sexual dimorphism.
The Northern Black Flycatcher, despite its unassuming appearance, is an effective predator. It can capture insects with remarkable precision. The size and behavior of this flycatcher can make it look like other flycatcher species. However, its small size and dark plumage set it apart.
Distribution / Habitat:
This is an insectivorous species that is a resident breeder in tropical Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and Tanzania.
The Northern Black Flycatchers are found in moist wooded areas and cultivation. It nests in a hole or reuses the old nest of another species, and lays two or three eggs. Breeding takes place in the wet season.
Northern Black Flycatchers are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The flycatcher can be found from Senegal, Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya and southern Africa to the east and south. It prefers open woodlands and savannas as well as forest edges where it can perch and catch insects. The bird is often found in gardens and plantations, especially in places where there are a wide variety of insects.
It prefers habitats that have more open space and low vegetation, where it can hunt. The flycatcher is usually seen in densely wooded areas where it sits on perches such as twigs and branches to watch for prey. The Northern Black Flycatcher prefers forest edges where the transition from forest to open space provides an ideal foraging environment.
The Northern Black Flycatcher may be a resident year-round in most of its range. However, depending on local weather and food availability it can make seasonal or minor migrations. The bird’s numbers may vary in some areas of its range based on the seasonal abundance of insects, but this does not play a significant role in its migration.
According to IUCN Red List, this species is well documented.
Call:
This flycatcher has a simple musical song and a thin tsee-whee call. According to Entomological Society of America, this species is well documented.
Food and feeding habits
Northern Black Flycatchers are highly specialized insectsivores that feed almost exclusively on flying insects. Its main food sources are ants, beetles and moths that it catches in mid-air. Hawking is the bird’s hunting technique. It perches on a branch, waits for an insect to pass by and then darts out to capture it.
The flycatcher’s sharp bill and quick reflexes allow it to strike lightning fast. It can catch several insects at once and will stay on the same perch, waiting, for extended periods of time, for its prey to come closer. It will sometimes also search the ground and low shrubs to find insects that are resting or less active.
This bird’s feeding behaviour is suited to the environment it lives in, allowing it to catch insects that would otherwise be missed by other predators. The bird can spot insects flying at a distance by perching in a position with a good view. It then swoops in and captures them with amazing accuracy. The Northern Black Flycatcher is one of the most effective flycatchers at catching flying insects.
Breeding and Nesting
The Northern Black Flycatcher breeds during the rainy season when there are more insects. The male will perform a series display flights to court the female. During these displays, it may also make calls and demonstrate its agility. The pair will then work together to build a cup-shaped nest once the female has selected a mate. The nest is built under a bush or tree, and hidden in the leaves. This protects the eggs from predators. The nest is constructed from twigs and grasses as well as other plant materials.
After building the nest, the female will lay 2 to 3 eggs which she will incubate for 12 to 14 day. During this period, the male brings food to the remaining female on the nest. Both parents will take turns protecting and feeding the chicks once the eggs hatch. The male is a major contributor to bringing food into the nest. The chicks, which are born helpless, require constant attention from both parents.
After hatching, the young birds leave their nests about 14-18 days later. However, they still rely on parents for food and safety for several weeks. Once they are independent, the young birds leave their family group and establish their own territory.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Northern Black Flycatcher as a species of Low Concern. Its population has been deemed stable and does not face any significant threats on a global scale. Its adaptability and wide range of habitats has allowed the bird to maintain a healthy, widespread population in much of sub-Saharan Africa.
As with many other species, habitat destruction could have an impact on the Northern Black Flycatcher, particularly in areas where woodlands and forests are being cleared for agricultural or development purposes. Deforestation, fragmentation and habitat loss could affect nesting sites for the Northern Black Flycatcher and their food supply. This might have a long-term impact on the bird’s survival. Climate change could affect insect availability and timing, which may also impact the reproductive success of the bird.
To ensure that the Northern Black Flycatcher is a stable species, conservation efforts to preserve forests, woodlands and other natural habitats will be crucial. The adaptability of the bird and its ability for it to survive in different habitats gives hope that its success will continue, as long as its natural environment is preserved.
Conclusion
Northern Black Flycatcher is not the most flashy bird in sub-Saharan Africa. But its elegance and hunting abilities make it an essential part of its ecosystem. The Northern Black Flycatcher’s agile foraging skills and subtle presence in nature remind us that the most fascinating creatures tend to be those that are not noticed by others. We can ensure that the Northern Black Flycatcher remains an important part of Africa’s bird landscape by protecting its habitats, and monitoring any threats.
