Marico Flycatcher
Bradornis mariquensis
A large flycatcher with upright posture, plain brown upperparts with warm edges to flight feathers, and diagnostic and strongly contrasting bold white underparts. Juveniles are heavily streaked brown and white. Pairs and small groups inhabit arid scrub, favoring thorn trees, where they sit conspicuously on low perches, sallying or pouncing onto the ground to subdue prey. All other brown flycatchers in the same range have brown or buffy underparts.
Taxonomy
The Marico flycatcher was previously placed in the genus Bradornis but was moved to Melaenornis based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010.
- Scientific name
- Bradornis mariquensis
- Authority
- Smith, A, 1847
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Bradornis
Range and habitat
Its natural habitat is dry savanna. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Cook's Petrel
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Blue Jay
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Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
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