Fiscal Flycatcher
Sigelus silens
Silhouette: Martin Bulla, based on François Desbordes' illustration · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyMuscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers, Robins, and Chats)
- GenusSigelus
- SpeciesSigelus silens (Fiscal Flycatcher)
About the Fiscal Flycatcher
The fiscal flycatcher (Sigelus silens) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It is the only species placed in the genus Sigelus. It is a resident breeder in Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland, and a vagrant to Namibia.
This species is found in subtropical open woodland, dry savanna, shrubland and suburban gardens. The fiscal flycatcher was previously the only member of the genus Sigelus but was moved to Melaenornis based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2010. This black and white bird gets its name from its resemblance to the northern and southern fiscal shrikes (previously considered one species, common fiscal), shrikes that in turn get the name from their black and white suit-and-tie appearance reminiscent of the taxman ('fiscal'). The male may be confused with the fiscal shrikes, but the shrikes have heavy, hooked bills, white patches on the shoulder rather than the lower wing, and no white on their longer tails. The resemblance is assumed to be an example of Batesian mimicry.
The fiscal flycatcher is 17–20 cm in length. The adult male is black above and white below with... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Fiscal Flycatcher in Kruger National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Kruger National Park
White-browed Scrub Robin
Erythropygia leucophrys
White-browed Robin-Chat
Cossypha heuglini
Southern Black Flycatcher
Melaenornis pammelaina
Ashy Alseonax
Muscicapa caerulescens
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
White-Throated Robin-Chat
Cossypha humeralis
Bearded Scrub Robin
Erythropygia quadrivirgata
Grey Tit-Flycatcher
Myioparus plumbeus
Mocking Cliff Chat
Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
African Stonechat
Saxicola torquatus
Redcap Robinchat
Cossypha natalensis
African Dusky Flycatcher
Muscicapa adusta
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 5 | Pilanesberg National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 6 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 7 | Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 8 | Kruger National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 9 | Golden Gate Highlands National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 10 | Moremi Game Reserve | 🇧🇼 Botswana | |
| 11 | Chobe National Park | 🇧🇼 Botswana |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Fiscal Flycatcher in Kruger National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Fiscal Flycatcher sighting in Kruger National Park, based on 173 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Fiscal Flycatcher in Kruger National Park?
June has the highest sighting rate for Fiscal Flycatcher in Kruger National Park in our monthly data.