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Asian Paradise-flycatcher and its extra-long streamers

on 21st October 2017
video grab
video grab

The male Asian Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), especially the white morph, makes a spectacular picture when it is perching on a branch, with its extra-long, streamer like central tail feathers hanging down (above).

When the bird moves around and the streamers wriggle about, things get more exciting (video above, below)…

video grab
video grab

…what more when it is shaking its tail feathers following a bath to rid them of water droplets (video below).

When in flight, with its the tail feathers following behind, twirling and flicking up and down as if the paradise-flycatcher is performing a ribbon dance, this is a sight to behold (video below).

Lakshmi Ravishankar
Pune, India
6the October 2017

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

2 Responses

  1. Well done Lakshmi in sharing these wonderful videos of this Flycatcher in all its glory in the natural world. Love the flight footages and shaking off water after a bath. The long tail streamers make it standout among the avian wonders of Asia. I was also surprised how unshy it was in the first video.

  2. Thank you so much for your kind words! These birds are indeed magical! Thank you Mr. Wee for alerting me to this comment! Sorry for responding so late!

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