Least Concern Birds

African Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone viridis

African Paradise Flycatcher, insect hunter in forests and savanna edges.

Scientific name	Terpsiphone viridis
Swahili name	Mchafuji wa Peponi wa Afrika
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Monarchidae
Size	Male: body length about 16-22 cm (excluding long tail feathers), weight about 15-20 g; Female: body length about 16-18 cm, slightly lighter weight

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How to identify

Males have distinctive long tail feathers, usually white or black; body color mostly orange-red or chestnut; head has a black crown; females have duller body color and shorter tail feathers; tail feathers spread noticeably during flight

Habitat

Edges of tropical and subtropical forests, savannas with sparse trees, shrubs, and garden areas

Diet

Mainly insectivorous, especially flies, mosquitoes, and other small flying insects

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially frequent foraging in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and the Maasai Mara region

How to spot it

Observe at forest edges or shrub borders in early morning or late afternoon, pay attention to long tail feathers in flight; use binoculars or telephoto lenses to capture flight posture

Photography tips

Shoot during soft natural light periods, capture moments when tail feathers spread during flight; choose simple backgrounds like green leaves or sky to highlight bird colors

Threats

Habitat destruction and deforestation; local areas may be affected by pesticide use

Similar species

African long-tailed monarch (Terpsiphone rufiventer), distinguished by tail feather color and body color depth; Asian paradise flycatcher, with longer tail feathers and different coloration

📖 how to spot the african paradise flycatcher on safari