Differentiating Myiagra flycatchers

Some notes on differentiating features of the Myiagra flycatchers - please comment if you have extra tips.

Broad-billed Flycatcher
Defining features from the other myiagra flycatchers include pale lores (the area between the eye and bill) and obviously gradated tail feathers (i.e. being of different lengths giving a distinctly 'stepped' appearance). Broad-billed Flycatchers are also mangrove specialists (generally speaking).

Pale lores:

Image by Graham Winterflood from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/57891741

Gradated tail feathers:

Image by Andrejs Medenis from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/67450795

Satin Flycatcher & Leaden Flycatcher
These can be harder to differentiate. Glossiness/dullness of males can be a diagnostic feature. Male Satin Flycatchers have glossy blue-black feathers (left), whereas male Leaden Flycatchers have dull blue-black feathers (right). This is not a reliable diagnostic feature for females.


Satin image by Jeff Melvaine from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/72881173
Leaden image by julieoconnor3 from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/73095161

Feather margins (edging) on the lower wing can be a diagnostic feature. Satin Flycatchers have brown/buff feather margins (left) and Leaden Flycatchers have silvery-grey feather margins (right).

Females:

Satin image by Rebecca Ludstrom from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/61088536
Leaden image by Rachael Jones from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/71785137

Males:

Satin image by James Peake from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/55870977
Leaden image by crazybirdman from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/69128310

Young flycatchers can have a more broadly brown wing, which can be mistaken as buff margins/edging. Be careful that edging refers to the edges of the feathers on the lower wing, not the overall wing colour.

Shining Flycatcher
Distinct from other flycatchers. Males are entirely blue (left) and females have a bright rufous back-tail:

Male image by sbarton16 from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/69754075
Female image by seanpai from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/63074057

Restless Flycatcher
Distinct from other flycatchers. Breast is white (not blue). Females may have a slight buff tint to breast (right)

Male image by Daniel Townend from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/72080449
Female image by aussiecreature from observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/63155441

Publicado el martes, 27 de abril de 2021 a las 01:06 AM por tamika_lunn tamika_lunn

Comentarios

You know lots about birds well done!

Anotado por hnaturewarrior hace casi 3 años

Thanks @h_nature_warrior! There are a lot of tips I'm learning from other birders that aren't in my bird guide, so I'm recording them here to try and keep track!

Anotado por tamika_lunn hace casi 3 años

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