The White-tailed Blue Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) is a small, striking bird native to the forests and woodlands of East Africa. Known for its vivid blue plumage, this flycatcher is easily recognizable, especially with its contrasting white tail feathers that give the bird its name. The males and females share similar coloring, with bright blue upperparts and paler underparts, along with the characteristic white-tipped tail.

This species is highly active and agile, often seen flitting through the trees in search of insects, which make up the majority of its diet. The White-tailed Blue Flycatcher is known for its acrobatic flight patterns, darting and hovering as it catches prey on the wing. Its small size and quick movements make it a challenge to spot in the dense foliage, but its distinctive color and energetic behavior often give it away.

In terms of habitat, the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher prefers montane forests and forest edges, often at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters. It is a resident bird in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where it thrives in both primary and secondary forests. The bird is generally found alone or in pairs, although it may join mixed-species feeding flocks.

Despite being a relatively common species within its range, the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. Conservation efforts in East Africa aim to protect the natural habitats that are crucial for the survival of this and many other forest-dependent species. Observers and birdwatchers often marvel at the beauty and grace of the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, making it a prized sighting in the region’s avian community.