Bird · GBIF taxon 2486651
Restless Flycatcher
Myiagra inquietaAlso known as Scissors Grinder, Razor Grinder, Restless Myiagra
Restless flycatchers spend much of their day hovering low above grass or perching on exposed branches, constantly fanning their tails in search of prey. While hovering, they emit a mechanical, grinding buzz that flushes insects from vegetation and earned them the nickname scissors grinder. Unlike the superficially similar willie wagtail, they feature a crisp, pure white throat and lack a prominent white eyebrow.
InsectivoreSongbirdVocal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Caterpillars
Predators
- Pied currawongs
- Feral cats
- Basking hawks
ThreatsClearing of native woodland habitat and removal of dead branches
HabitatsEucalyptus woodlands, open forests, farmland, and urban parks
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMonarchidae
- SpeciesMyiagra inquieta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Foraging Calls: Listen for the unique scissor-grinding sound made while hovering low to flush insects.
- Check the Throat: Distinguish from the willie wagtail by observing its pure white throat and chest.
- Observe Low Vegetation: Watch grassy openings, paddock edges, and lower tree branches where it actively hunts.
Look-alike (c) Lip Kee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.