Myiagra rubecula

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Family

Dicruridae

Genus

Myiagra

Species

rubecula

Common Names

Leaden Flycatcher, Blue Flycatcher, Frog Bird

Distinguishing Features

This small 15-16cm bird is most recognisable by its short crest on the top of its head. It has a dark eye, bill and legs. Male birds are lead-grey with a blue sheen, except for their white underparts. Female birds have a pale, rusty coloured throat and breast, with remaining plumage a dull blue-grey to brown colour. Young birds are dull with some rusty colourings along their wings.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A clear whistling 'whit-ee-eight' , 'too-wheit' or a harsh buzzing.

Similar Species

The Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) is almost idenitcal, however male birds are more black and glossy, and females have a darker rusty-coloured patch.

Distribution

This species is found across the north of WA, NT and QLD, and down to Adelaide and TAS in lower abundance. Northern species migrate to and from Papua New Guinea.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Numbers have fluctuated widely over the past 25 years, seeming stable overall (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999. The Leaden Flycatcher is common in northern Australia, uncommon in the southeast. The population of the Torres Straight (Myiagra rubecula papuana) is Near Threatened, due to the confined area of the population.

LSCCES Population

Six sightings were made at the ANBG during the survey period, however they are known to breed on the ANU campus and in suburban Turner and O'Connor.

Associated vegetation community

The Leaden Flycatcher inhabits eucalypt forest, woodland, mangroves and the edge of rainforest areas.

Limiting Resources

This species is found in a very diverse range of habitats, however it is only found in areas with understory vegetation of logs and shrubs. It depends on the surounding woodlands of the Canberra region for breeding and will only be seen in suburbs with large nearby nature reserves.

Breeding

The breeding season runs over the summer months from late November to early March in the Canberra region. The breeding pair shares all the nesting responsibilities, beginning nest building on a tree limb 6-20 metres high. The nest is constructed of thin pieces of bark, joined with spider web and extremely well camouflaged into the tree branch with moss, matching the colour and texture of the branch itself. The female lays 2-3 white eggs with a band of grey and black speckles. Parents then incubate the eggs for about 2 weeks and then care for the young for another 15days.

Behaviour

The Leaden Flycatcher is a summer migrant to the Canberra region. This active bird is usually seen alone or in pairs, often buzzing around tree foliage for insects, snatching them in flight. It seems to love attention, frequently calling and flicking its tail while perched, especially in spring.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

This species eats a range of available insects from tree foliage.

Predators

Both domestic and feral Cats (Felis Catus) can attack and kill this species.

Interesting Fact

The nest of the Leaden Flycatcher is extremely well camouflaged, skilfully built with a tree's bark and moss to look like a bump or knothole on the tree branch.