Southern black flycatcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern black flycatcher |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Melaenornis
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| Species: |
pammelaina
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The southern black flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina) is a small bird found in eastern and southern Africa. It belongs to the flycatcher family. This bird lives in open areas and light forests. It is known for its completely black feathers.
This bird species lives across a very large area. Scientists believe its habitat covers about 4 million square kilometers. The total number of these birds is not known. However, the IUCN (a group that tracks animal populations) says it is of "Least Concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
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What Does the Southern Black Flycatcher Look Like?
The southern black flycatcher is completely black. It has a black beak and black legs. Its eyes are brown. This bird also has a square-shaped tail. These features help tell it apart from another similar bird, the fork-tailed drongo. The drongo has red eyes and a long, forked tail.
Where Do Southern Black Flycatchers Live?
The southern black flycatcher lives in eastern and southern Africa. You can find it in many countries. These include Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It likes places with open spaces and light forests. It also lives near rivers, at the edge of farms, and in gardens. The trees it prefers include miombo, thorntrees, and mopane trees.
What Do Southern Black Flycatchers Eat?
The southern black flycatcher mainly eats insects. Its diet includes beetles, termites, and locusts. It also eats worms, spiders, and centipedes. This bird usually sits on a low branch or fence post. From there, it quickly flies down to catch prey in the air or on the ground.
Sometimes, these birds also drink nectar from mountain aloe flowers. They also eat berries from the black nightshade plant. Southern black flycatchers sometimes hunt in small groups. They often join up with fork-tailed drongos. This teamwork might help them find more food. It could also keep them safer from predators.
How Do Southern Black Flycatchers Reproduce?
Southern black flycatchers lay eggs between May and January. The busiest time for breeding is in September and October. The nest is usually built in a tree trunk. It can also be behind loose bark or in tangled plants. Sometimes, they even use old farm tools!
The nest is shaped like a cup. It is made of small twigs and dry grasses. The inside is lined with fine roots. The female bird lays up to four eggs. The eggs hatch after about two weeks. The young birds stay in the nest for 15 to 20 days. After this, they are ready to leave the nest and fly on their own.
Is the Southern Black Flycatcher Safe?
The IUCN says the southern black flycatcher is of "Least concern". This means it is not in danger. The bird lives in a very large area. Its population seems to be stable. Many people say this bird is common in parts of its home range.
