I spotted an interesting bird at Manly North Head a few days ago. It had prominent whiskers (actually, they’re rictal bristles), a chestnut breast and white belly, and large eyes:

Was it a Spectacled Monarch? A Rufous Whistler? Maybe a female Flame Robin or Scarlet Robin? Eventually I asked the Australian Birds community on Reddit and received a likely identification: a female Leaden Flycatcher. This is a first sighting for me!

Leaden Flycatchers are common in north eastern Australia. They migrate southwards in the summer, but are uncommon in the south east where I am.

The whiskers around the beak are actually rictal bristles. They’re feathers that are modified to be sensors, helping the bird capture flying insects. After all, the bird has to earn its name, “flycatcher”!

Unfortunately, it was early morning and the bird was silhouetted against the sky, so I couldn’t get a good photo. These are the best I have.

Here’s another shot of the front of the bird:

Common name: Leaden Flycatcher
Scientific name: Myiagra rubecula
Approximate length: 15-16 cm
Date spotted: 9 October 2025 (spring)
Location: Manly North Head, Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°48’58.5″S 151°17’56.6″E