Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Terpsiphone atrocaudata
Family: Monarch Flycatchers, Paradise Flycatchers, and Shrikebills · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 18–20 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds from Japan, Korea and Taiwan to the northern Philippines, wintering across mainland Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Sumatra and the Philippines.
Male has an all-black head and breast, glossy dark purple mantle and whitish belly; tail streamers can extend to 23 cm or more. Female very similar to Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher but upperbreast more brownish-tinged, belly whiter and upperparts duller, never distinctly bright rufous-chestnut. The breast-belly margin forms an inverted U shape.
Wooded habitats including broadleaved evergreen forest, secondary growth, mangroves, parks and gardens.
Feeds on insects taken in sallies from a perch or snatched as they flush; usually forages high in the canopy.