My favourite fun fact

Unlike most birds, the African Paradise Flycatcher often uses spider webs as a building material for its nest. The tiny cup-shaped nest is carefully stitched together with these strands of silk, making it surprisingly strong and flexible despite its delicate appearance.

Scientific name

Tchitrea viridis

Afrikaans name

Afrikaanse Paradysvlieëvanger

Description

A slender and graceful bird with a glossy black head, blue eye-ring and rich chestnut wings. Adult males are particularly striking, sporting two exceptionally long white tail streamers that can be more than twice the length of their body.

Habitat

Found in woodlands, riverine forests, gardens and dense thickets across much of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly where there is good tree cover and an abundance of insects.

Interesting behaviour

The African Paradise Flycatcher catches most of its food on the wing, launching from a perch to snatch flying insects before returning to the same spot. During the breeding season, the male's spectacular tail streamers make him one of the most eye-catching birds in the African bush.

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