Asian fairy-bluebird

The Asian fairy-bluebird is a medium-sized, arboreal passerine bird. This fairy-bluebird is found in forests across tropical southern Asia, Indochina and the Greater Sundas. Two or three eggs are laid in a small cup nest in a tree. It was described by British ornithologist John Latham in 1790. The only other member of the genus and family is the Philippine fairy-bluebird, I. cyanogastra, which replaces the Asian fairy-bluebird in most of the Philippines. Both species are considered as sacred to the Tagalog people as they are perceived as tigmamanukan omens.

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Distribution

Region

South and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs from the Indian Subcontinent and Sri Lanka through the eastern Himalayas, Indochina, and the Greater Sunda Islands, with an outpost in Palawan. Prefers primary and mature secondary evergreen forests but also uses forest edges, fruit-rich plantations, and well-wooded gardens near intact forest. Most activity is in the mid-story to canopy, where it forages among fruiting trees. It is generally sedentary, making local movements following fruit availability.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size24–27 cm

Wing Span34–38 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.07 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Male Asian fairy-bluebirds shimmer with electric blue on the back and shoulders contrasted against velvety black, while females are a softer bluish-green. They are important seed dispersers for many rainforest trees, especially figs. Often joining mixed-species flocks, they tend to stay high in the canopy and can be heard by their mellow, fluty whistles before being seen.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

arboreal, alert and somewhat shy

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a neat cup nest high in a tree, where the female lays 2–3 eggs. Pairs are presumed monogamous, with both parents feeding the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song consists of mellow, fluty, and liquid whistles, often descending in pitch and carrying far through the forest. Calls include soft chups and clearer, ringing notes given from exposed perches in the canopy.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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Asian green bee-eater

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Asian house martin

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