Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

Scientific name: Terpsiphone atrocaudata


Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

Family: MONARCHIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.05-30.06

Gestation: 14–16 jours

Births: 01.06-15.07


Habitat:
Dense forests, wooded areas, mangroves

Description:
The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, or Terpsiphone atrocaudata, is an elegant and fascinating bird primarily found in the dense forests of Japan, Korea, and China. This bird is renowned for its glossy black plumage and long tail feathers that can reach up to 30 cm in males. Females, on the other hand, display more subdued colors, with brownish hues and a shorter tail. The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is a migratory bird, moving south for the winter. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in flight with remarkable agility. Its melodious and varied song is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a unique soundscape to the forests it inhabits.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images without disturbing the bird. Find a spot where the bird is active, usually at dawn or dusk, and be patient. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and wait for the bird to perch on an open branch. Pay attention to natural light, which can enhance the reflections of its glossy black plumage.

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