Peppergrass

Ceylon Paradise Flycatcher (Brown Phase)

Terpsiphone paradisi ceylonensis

Glossy blue-black hood, neck and crest. Upperparts and tail is a rich chestnut. Breast is an ashy-grey which becomes white on the belly. Adult males are about 20 cm with an additional 10 cm with tail streamers. Females and jeveniles look like the males but lack the long tail streamers. Juvenile males grow tail streamers only after the second molt. Females have a more dusky breast. Very active birds, which have a fast dipping flight when chasing after insects. Feeds on the ground occasionally. When bathing they plunge into the water. Usually found in pairs. Not shy.

Posted on February 3, 2009 at 12:02 pm in Uncategorized.