Fiscal Flycatcher
The fiscal flycatcher (Sigelus silens) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is the only species placed in the genus Sigelus. It is a resident breeder in Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland, and a vagrant to Namibia. This species is found in subtropical open woodland, dry savanna, shrubland and suburban gardens. == Taxonomy == The fiscal flycatcher was previously the only member of the genus Sigelus but was moved to Melaenornis based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010. == Description == This black and white bird gets its name from its resemblance to the northern and southern fiscal shrikes (previously considered one species, common fiscal), shrikes that in turn get the name from their black and white suit-and-tie appearance reminiscent of the taxman ('fiscal'). The male may be confused with the fiscal shrikes, but the shrikes have heavy, hooked bills, white patches on the shoulder rather than the lower wing, and no white on their longer tails. The resemblance is assumed to be an example of Batesian mimicry. The fiscal flycatcher is 17–20 cm in length. The adult male is black above and white below with white wing…
Garden Route National Park
George, South Africa
+126 birds+30 mammals
Where fynbos-clad mountains plunge into temperate forests and pristine coastline, one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse reserves sprawls across nearly […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKMokala National Park
Siyancuma Local Municipality, South Africa
+123 birds+30 mammals
Where semi-arid savanna meets ancient granite outcrops, a 715-square-kilometre wilderness unfolds across the Northern Cape’s undulating terrain. Mokala’s landscape is […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKCederberg Wilderness Area
Cederberg Local Municipality, South Africa
+106 birds+26 mammals
Where granite gorges slice through weathered sandstone mountains, the Cederberg’s dramatic topography reveals a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKAgulhas National Park
Cape Agulhas Local Municipality, South Africa
+106 birds+30 mammals
Where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide along Africa’s southernmost tip, a rugged coastline of limestone cliffs and windswept grasslands […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKTankwa-Karoo National Park
Hantam Local Municipality, South Africa
+101 birds
Where ancient mountains crumble into rust-red plains, the Tankwa Karoo unfolds as one of South Africa’s most austere and compelling […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKMountain Zebra National Park
Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality, South Africa
+123 birds+30 mammals
Jagged sandstone peaks rise abruptly from the high interior plateau of the Eastern Cape, their weathered faces sculpted by millennia […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKBontebok National Park
Swellendam Local Municipality, South Africa
+101 birds+30 mammals
Dawn breaks over rippling grasslands where the Breede River carves a verdant ribbon through the Western Cape lowlands. This intimate […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKAddo Elephant National Park
Sundays River Valley Local Municipality, South Africa
+129 birds+30 mammals
Where granite outcrops pierce acacia woodland and dense thicket smothers the Eastern Cape landscape, one of Africa’s most biodiverse reserves […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKIthala Game Reserve
uPhongolo Local Municipality, South Africa
+133 birds+29 mammals
Where granite ridges thrust upward through acacia woodland, the landscape shifts between intimate valleys and sweeping grasslands across nearly 500 […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKMarakele National Park
Modimolle Local Municipality, South Africa
+122 birds+30 mammals
Where granite gorges slice through the bushveld and ancient mountains rise in weathered majesty, southern Africa’s most underrated wilderness unfolds […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKCamdeboo National Park
Camdeboo Local Municipality, South Africa
+124 birds+30 mammals
Where granite gorges slice through semi-arid plateaus, ancient dolerite formations rise like sentinels above the Sundays River valley. Sprawling across […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKTable Mountains National Park
Karłów, Poland
150+ birds+30 mammals
Where sandstone plateaus rise like ancient fortresses above forested valleys, Poland’s 108-square-kilometre wilderness unfolds across the Table Mountains. Vertical rock […]
VIEW NATIONAL PARKNo community photos yet. Log in to add the first one.
No community observations of this species yet.