Muscicapa adusta
The African Dusky Flycatcher inhabits forests (mainly edges and clearings), riverine woodland and densely planted parks and gardens, and is easily overlooked. They feed mainly on flying insects but do include a little fruit in their diet on occasion. They are small birds, weighing about 11g as adults and measuring around 13cm in length.
Pairs of the African Dusky Flycatcher are monogamous and build their cup-shaped nests in holes in trees or crevices in rocks using fine plant material, feathers and spider webs. Their breeding season spans spring and summer, and only the female incubates the clutch of 2 or 3 eggs over a 2-week period while the male brings food to her at the nest. The chicks become independent within 3 weeks of hatching, often allowing the parents to raise another brood in the same season.
While noting that their populations are probably declining due to habitat destruction, the IUCN lists the African Dusky Flycatcher as being of least concern. The species is distributed patchily from east and central Africa south to South Africa, where they occur throughout our wetter eastern and southern provinces.
Flip… they don’t take their time fleeing the nest! Some human children (adults) could take lessons!! đđ¤đ
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Nudge-nudge, wink-wink?
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They are totally sweet and seem to look so solemn and serious!
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That’s very true, Carol!
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Hierdie voĂŤl sal nie sommer my aandag aan gryp in die natuur nie, maar dit is hoekom jy ‘n entoesias is. Maar ten opsigte van lewe is dit wel so dat mens nie net aandag moet gee aan die “besonderse” nie. Die “gewone” oomblikke is die grootste deel van mens se lewe. Dit wil egter voorkom of jy meer besonderse as gewone oomblikke het!
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Ek dink dit is presies hoekom ons die buitelewe so baie geniet, Abrie, want mens weet nooit wat jy gaan sien nie maar ons waardeer watookal ons te siene kry!
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Dis ‘n vaal outjie, maar altyd lekker om hom dop te hou as hy so rondbeweeg in die bome.Mooi foto’s, Dries.
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Baie dankie, Dina! Ek geniet dit dat hulle tegelyktertyd so skaam maar ook nuuskierig is – hulle kruip gou weg as hulle agterkom jy kyk vir hulle, net om na n paar tellings maar weer nader te kom!
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Very pretty little bird!
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I agree, Montucky – Not the most colourful flycatcher by any means but still beautiful!
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