Mascarene paradise flycatcher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mascarene paradise flycatcher
Male
Female both T. b. bourbonnensis on the slopes of la Roche Écrite, La Réunion
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Terpsiphone
Species:	bourbonnensis
Subspecies
See text
Synonyms
Muscicapa bourbonnensis

The Mascarene paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone bourbonnensis) is a special kind of bird. It is part of the monarch-flycatcher family. You can only find this bird on the Mascarene islands of Mauritius and Réunion.

There are two main types, or subspecies, of this flycatcher. One type lives on Réunion and is known as the Réunion paradise flycatcher. The other type lives on Mauritius. Scientists first described this bird in 1776.

What They Look Like

The Mascarene paradise flycatcher is a small bird. It measures about 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) long. Unlike some other paradise flycatchers, it does not have a very long tail.

The male bird has a black head. Its neck, throat, chest, and belly are grey. The top part of its body and its tail are a reddish-brown color, like chestnut. The tips of its wings are black. Its beak is a bright blue, and its legs are grey.

The female bird is a bit smaller than the male. She has a lighter blue beak and a dark-grey head. The type of flycatcher found on Mauritius is usually larger and has brighter colors than the one on Réunion.

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  A young T. b. bourbonnensis from La Réunion.

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  A young T. b. desolata from Mauritius.

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  Another young T. b. desolata from Mauritius.

Where They Live

The places where these birds live can be different depending on the type. The Mascarene paradise flycatcher from Mauritius mostly lives in native evergreen forests. It also lives in some areas with certain types of pine trees. It seems to prefer places where the tree branches form a thick roof, keeping the air still, but without too many plants growing on the ground.

The type of flycatcher found on Réunion lives in more kinds of places. It can be found in many different forested areas. These areas range from sea level up to about 500 to 600 meters (1,600 to 2,000 feet) high.

Their Behavior

What They Eat

The Mascarene paradise flycatcher eats many different kinds of insects. These include beetles, flies, dragonflies, moths, grasshoppers, and mayflies.

They usually hunt by sitting on a branch and watching. When they see an insect, they fly out to catch it in the air. They might also pick insects off leaves while sitting on a branch. These birds usually hunt alone. However, they sometimes join groups of white-eye birds. This is more common for the birds on Réunion than on Mauritius.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Mascarene paradise flycatchers have a specific breeding season. On Mauritius, they breed from August to February. On Réunion, they breed from September to December.

Their nest is shaped like a cone. It is made from moss, lichen, and spiderwebs. The female bird lays two or three eggs. These eggs are creamy white or pink-white with rusty spots. Both parents take turns sitting on the eggs for about 14 to 16 days. This is called incubation.

After the chicks hatch, their parents feed them for about five weeks. The young birds then stay in their parents' area for another 8 to 9 weeks after they learn to fly.