How to identify the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher

To correctly identify the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher (Terpsiphone rufocinerea), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

16-18 cm

Wingspan

22-25 cm

Weight

10-14 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a slate-grey head, neck, and upper back. The lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts are rufous. The tail is distinctly rufous, often appearing bright. The wings are dark grey to blackish with rufous edgings on the primaries and secondaries, and rufous inner webs. The underparts are rufous, becoming paler on the belly and undertail coverts. There is a subtle, narrow, pale grey eye-ring.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Relatively broad, flattened bill, typical of flycatchers, adapted for catching insects in flight. The bill is black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of a grey head and back with a bright rufous tail and underparts is distinctive. The lack of a crest (unlike some other Terpsiphone species) and the relatively short tail (compared to paradise-flycatchers) are key features.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are duller overall, with a browner wash to the grey areas and less vibrant rufous. The rufous on the tail and underparts may be more muted or mottled.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes are noted for this species.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males might be slightly brighter in coloration. There are no obvious differences in tail length or ornamentation as seen in some other Terpsiphone species.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the distinctive combination of a slate-grey head and upper back, contrasting with a bright rufous lower back, rump, tail, and underparts. The wings are dark with rufous edgings.
• Tail Shape and Length. Note the relatively short, broad, and entirely rufous tail. It lacks the elongated central streamers characteristic of many paradise-flycatchers (Terpsiphone species).
• Absence of Crest. Unlike some other flycatchers in its range, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher does not possess a noticeable crest.
• Behavior. Observe its foraging style: sallying from a perch to catch insects in mid-air, often returning to the same or a nearby perch. It frequently flicks its tail.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its clear, melodious, whistled song, often a rising and falling series of notes. Its sharp 'chip' calls are also distinctive.

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