Leaden Flycatcher
Myiagra rubecula
About This Species
A small flycatcher of forest, woodland edge and mangroves across eastern and northern Australia and nearby islands, typically seen sallying from a mid-level perch to catch insects in flight. Males show a glossy blue-black head and upperparts against a pale grey underside, distinguishing them from similar flycatchers. Listen for a distinctive buzzy call given from the canopy, most active during the breeding season in spring and summer.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Generally unobtrusive and not easily disturbed at a reasonable distance, but pairs nesting in mangrove or woodland canopy should be given space, since repeated close approach can cause nest desertion.
- Habitat protections vary across its range in Australia and neighbouring countries, so stay on trails in reserves and avoid disturbing mangrove understorey.
- A stationary watch near a fruiting or insect-rich patch is more productive than active pursuit.
LCAvesPasseriformesMonarchidae
Seasonal Activity
157,077 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Monarchidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.