Satin Flycatcher?

7 posts / 0 new
Last post
windshear
windshear's picture
Satin Flycatcher?

I spotted this little feller at Daisy Hill Forest this afternoon. I was heading to a waterhole to camp out and wait for birds when I heard something diving into the water. Shortly after, this bird, and a brownish one hopped out onto a fallen log in the water. Didn't manage to get a decent photo before they headed off.

I'm fairly certain it is a Satin Flycatcher, and the brownish one was likely a juvenile.

Anyone care to confirm/suggest otherwise?

Oh, I attached another photo with a partial front-on shot.

Araminta
Araminta's picture

I just had a look in my Simpson&Day, I can't tell the difference between a Leaden Flycatcher and a Satin Flycatchercrying

Don't think there is one in the male bird? Anyway, it is a Flycatcherwink

M-L

windshear
windshear's picture

My reasoning for thinking Satin over Leaden was the iridescenty bluey-black visible on bottom picture. I think the leaden tends towards more greyish. (From looking at my Morecombe phone app anyway)

Araminta
Araminta's picture

I have never seen onecrying, as I always say, let's wait for the experts. You are most likely right though.

M-L

Elsie
Elsie's picture

I would definitley say a satin flycatcher! they are such a lovely birdsmiley I am not an expert by any means, but we had them at our house for a little while last year and they where really curiouscheeky

I have added a photo of one of mine. I hope you don't mindsmiley

windshear
windshear's picture

Elsie wrote:

I would definitley say a satin flycatcher! they are such a lovely birdsmiley I am not an expert by any means, but we had them at our house for a little while last year and they where really curiouscheeky

I have added a photo of one of mine. I hope you don't mindsmiley

Aww, what a cutie! :)

ihewman
ihewman's picture

In your photos, windshear, it is hard to tell unless you heard the call. To differentiate Leaden and Satin FC can be tricky... they both quiver their tails, but also don't rely on the colour as an identification key because Leaden FC can vary in colour from the leaden-grey to dark blue/matellic and the true colour of a Leaden FC is only evident in full sunlight... other times it will appear darker. There is, however, one feature that can most often indicate the species... both male and female. And that is the underside of the tail on a Satin FC is a darker shade than a Leaden FC (which is visible in Elsie's photo - which I am convinced it is a Satin FC).

Brandon (aka ihewman)

 and   @birdsinbackyards
                 Subscribe to me on YouTube