Fairy flycatcher

Introduction: Fairy flycatchers (Stenostrira scita) are small, slender flycatchers, who display a characteristic foraging behaviour of pirouetting and fanning the tail when actively looking for flies. Habitats include woody hillsides, sweet grassland, Acacia savannah, plantations and gardens. They are a constant mover, making it more difficult to observe as they flit between shrubs and trees.

Distribution: Rare observations have been recorded at Hardap Dam and Hoachanas.

Diet: Eats flies, very small beetles and spiders.

Description: Resembles a slim, long-tailed batis. Uniform dark olive from the crown to the rump. There is a distinctive white line that borders lower eyelid.

Breeding: Females build a small, deep cup of shredded grass and bark bound with spider web. Usually 2 to 3 eggs are laid in July and August and incubated for around 18 days.

Size: 12cm.

Weight: 6g.