About the Fiscal Flycatcher
The fiscal flycatcher 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Fiscal Flycatcher lives
When to see the Fiscal Flycatcher
Peak activity in August · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Siberian StonechatSaxicola maurusSiberian stonechat resembles its close relative relative the European stonechat (S. rubicola), but is typically darker above and paler below, with a white rump and whiter underparts with less orange on the breast.
Tickell's Blue FlycatcherCyornis tickelliaeTickell's blue flycatcher is about 11–12 cm long.
Red-breasted FlycatcherFicedula parvaAt 11–12 cm long, this is a relatively small flycatcher, only slightly larger than the Eurasian wren.
Side by side: Fiscal Flycatcher vs Siberian Stonechat · Fiscal Flycatcher vs Tickell's Blue Flycatcher · Fiscal Flycatcher vs Red-breasted Flycatcher
Learn the Fiscal Flycatcher in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.