Myiagra cyanoleuca

Satin Flycatcher at Chapman, ACT

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Identification history

Myiagra cyanoleuca	1 Nov 2019	natureguy
Myiagra cyanoleuca	28 Oct 2019	natureguy
Myiagra rubecula	28 Oct 2019	SWishart

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User's notes

I'm going with leaden (as the more common flycatcher) although it was very glossy. I've never seen either leaden or satin in this part of Chapman before.

8 comments

natureguy wrote:

29 Oct 2019

I would be happy to say Satin because it looks very glossy and also appears to have curved edges on the breast.

Christine wrote:

29 Oct 2019

Luke, the Satin/Leaden Flycatchers are notoriously difficult. The latest issue of Australian Birdlife (Vol 8 No 3) has an article on telling them apart which might be of interest. It is on page 86.

natureguy wrote:

29 Oct 2019

Thanks, I will consult my copy.

ArcherCallaway wrote:

29 Oct 2019

I don't think there's anything compelling enough to call it a Satin in the photo. I do need a refresher because its been like 6 months since I've seen either flycatcher, but I think a Satin would show a more blacker sheen. Do you happen to have any other photos, especially front on. Tail feather shafts for males are supposed to be another usable feature.

SWishart wrote:

29 Oct 2019

Sorry - I've added the only other views I captured but I don't think it's what you need. The bird hung around for an hour or more in a tree that is a little awkward for photography except for a brief stint on the power lines where it was side on to me. I'm a little up from the Chapman shops and while both flycatchers would be uncommon around here (to say the least) I'm pretty sure it's more likely to be leaden than satin given the vegetation in these parts.

ArcherCallaway wrote:

29 Oct 2019

Yes habitat would be Leaden but at this time of year Satins could probably still be moving through on their way to the mountains. Once they are established and breeding, habitat is more reliable. Image 3 is the sort of angle which could have been useful but there's a bit of blur in the tail so hard to say. I'm now inclined to support Satin though from how dark it looks in image 3 despite the good light and not being in shadow. I'll have another look at my satin photos when I get home tonight and think it over a bit more.

SWishart wrote:

29 Oct 2019

Ta. I've added another photo of that shot which may be (marginally) less blurry around the tail.

natureguy wrote:

2 Nov 2019

I have confirmed as Satin as the undertail is clearly black (not grey in Leaden).

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