Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone affinis Scientific name definitions

The Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone affinis) is a widespread and familiar bird over its very large range. The spectacular, long-plumed males take on either a rufous or a white morph, with one morph predominating or seemingly absent by subspecies. Like other paradise-flycatchers (Terpsiphone), males have large blue eye wattles and metallic-blue bills, both of which are more dull in the females. The Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher differs from other Asian species of paradise-flycatchers, at least in most plumages and subspecies, in having a shorter crest as well as a less contrasting black throat. Long thought to be conspecific with the taxa from Central Asia through southeastern Russia, recent molecular phylogenies have shown that Terpsiphone affinis belongs to a species complex that includes African congeners as well as the Black Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata). The species limits within Terpsiphone affinis, as recognized in this account, still require further study and probably further adjustment. The species occurs singly, in pairs, or in mixed-species flocks, at low elevation areas to foothill forests and drier woodlands. They are also found in mangroves, parks, and gardens. Only the northernmost populations are migratory. The species' song is a low-pitched, ringing, repetitive "wu-wu-wu," while their calls include a short harsh upturned "skreek."