Erythroceridae – Yellow Flycatchers

The Erythrocercidae (Yellow Flycatchers) is a family of passerines consists of just three species found in Africa. They occur in a variety of forested habitats in sub-Saharan Africa. They are small birds, which are extremely active insectivores. They forage in the leaves of the mid- and upper canopy. While relatively little is known about their natural history, it appears that at least some may be cooperative breeders, with related helpers assisting with nest construction and feeding chicks.

The taxonomy of this group has been uncertain in recent years. However, genetic evidence shows that these species did not belong with the Monarchidae, where they were traditionally placed. Instead, they were placed with a group of relatively secretive warbler-like birds occurring in southern Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, the Scotocercidae. Even more recently, most authorities have placed them in their own family because of the degree of their genetic divergence, coupled with morphological and ecological differences.

The Little Yellow Flycatcher Erythrocercus holochlorus, is found in Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland. It is small and colourful with olive-yellow upperparts and yellow underparts and is mostly found in lowland forest canopy. It is similar to yellow-warblers, but much smaller and found in different habitats. It is also similar to Livingstone’s Flycatcher, but there is very little overlap in range, and it can easily be separated by the olive-green rather than rufous tail. They vocalise frequently, giving high-pitched, chittering calls and a quick whistled song.

Livingstone’s Flycatcher Erythrocercus livingstonei – ©Dubi Shapiro

Livingstone’s Flycatcher Erythrocercus livingstonei, is found in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, it favours coastal thickets and riverine forest. It has olive underparts, yellow upperparts and a black-banded rufous tail which it spreads or flicks constantly. It has a rapid series of ‘chiut’ calls and a short but melodious and warbling song.

Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii – ©Charles J Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii, has a reddish face and cap and has a small crest, a buffy throat and reddish rump and tail. It is the most widespread and is found throughout the African tropical rainforest in small flocks or larger mixed flocks. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical swamps and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests where it moves through constantly calling and moving its tail. Its song is a series of short, high-pitched phrases. It has three subspecies.