Order Passeriformes Higher classification Myiagra | Phylum Chordata Family Monarchidae Scientific name Myiagra ruficollis Rank Species | |
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Similar Myiagra, Bird, Paperbark flycatcher, Leaden flycatcher, Shining flycatcher | ||
The broad-billed flycatcher (Myiagra ruficollis) is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is found in northern Australia, the Lesser Sunda Islands and southern New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Contents
Taxonomy and systematics
The broad-billed flycatcher was originally described in the genus Platyrhynchos. The name "broad-billed flycatcher" is also used as an alternate name for the Melanesian flycatcher.
Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized:
Description
In northern Australia, the broad-billed flycatcher is commonly found in moist forests and scrub surrounding permanent and seasonal fresh water areas such as billabongs and wet season marshes. Its size ranges from 14 to 17 cm. The bird feeds in the forest canopy on insects and small invertebrates. Unlike co-resident related species such as the paperbark flycatcher (M. nana) the broad-billed flycatcher is rarely seen hawking for insects in open areas outside the canopy.
