The blue paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone cyanescens) is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae.
It is endemic to Palawan. It is mainly found in the understory of lowland primary and secondary forests,[2] however populations are likely to be declining owing to habitat loss.
Description
Ebird describes it as "A medium-sized, long-tailed bird of lowland forest understory on Palawan and neighboring islands. Has a blue bill, eye-ring, chest, and head with a slight crest at the back. Back, wings, and tail are blue in the male and rufous in the female. Female is distinctive. Male is similar to Black-naped Monarch, but larger, and lacks the black mark on the back of the head. Song consists of a rapidly pulsating series of fairly high-pitched nasal notes that increase in volume."[3]
This species is monotypic and has no subspecies.
Ecology and behavior
It feeds on insects but otherwise not much is known about the specifics of its diet.[4] Forages from ground level up to 15 meters high. Only 1 nest has been found in July, 2 meters above ground with a single creamy white egg with brown spotting. No other breeding information is available.[4]
Habitat and conservation status
The species inhabits tropical moist lowland primary forest and secondary forest up restricted to the lowlands.
It is assesed as least-concern under the IUCN with populations believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss and deforestation. The whole of Palawan was designated as a Biosphere Reserve; however, protection and enforcement of laws has been difficult and these threats still continue. It occurs in the protected area of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.[5]
