Jacky Winter
Scientific Name: Microeca fascinans
Size: 12 to 14 cm
What does it look and sound like?
Although somewhat drab, this flycatcher is an attractive bird, with plain brownish upperparts, pale underparts, a slight eyebrow and prominent white edges to the black tail. The Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (or Fly-Robin) Microeca flavigaster of tropical northern Australia is yellower below, lacks white in the tail and spends less time on the ground. The song of the Jacky Winter is a sweet, continuous ‘peter-peter-peter’ or ‘jacky-jacky-winter-winter‘.
Where is it found?
The Jacky Winter is widely distributed in suitable wooded areas through mainland Australia, and further north into south-eastern New Guinea.
What are its habitats & habits?
From conspicuous perches within open woodland, paddocks and parkland, it watches for prey, catching it in the air or pouncing on it. While at rest, a Jacky Winter wags its tail from side to side.
Interesting facts
Alternative names include ‘Stumpbird’, ‘Post Sitter’ and ‘Postboy’
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
