The chestnut-naped forktail is a species of bird in the flycatcher and chat family Muscicapidae. The species is monotypic, having no subspecies. It is found in Sundaland, in southern Burma and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sumatra and Borneo. The species is not migratory.
Region
Sundaland
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Myanmar and western/southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo. Strongly associated with intact lowland and hill evergreen forest, especially along clear, rocky streams and shaded ravines. It frequents boulder-strewn torrents, forested riverbanks, and falls, often where overhanging vegetation provides cover. It may persist in selectively logged forests if stream quality remains high, but avoids heavily disturbed, turbid waterways.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This stream-loving songbird constantly wags and fans its deeply forked tail as it hunts along shaded forest creeks. It is monotypic with no recognized subspecies and is restricted to Sundaland. The species is highly tied to clean, fast-flowing water and can disappear when streams are silted or degraded. Its quiet, high-pitched calls can be hard to detect over rushing water.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs defending linear stretches of stream. Nests are typically placed in crevices, banks, or among roots near water, with both sexes involved in nesting duties. Pairs maintain territories year-round and show strong site fidelity.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high whistles and sharp ticking calls that can be masked by rushing water. Song is a soft series of high, sweet notes delivered from low perches along the stream.
Plumage
Crisp black-and-white forktail with a rich chestnut patch on the nape and hindcrown. Upperparts mostly glossy black with white shoulder patches and bold white in the wings; underparts largely white with contrasting dark upper breast. Tail is long, deeply forked, and strongly patterned in black with white outer edges.
Diet
Primarily takes aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates, including insect larvae, mayflies, caddisflies, beetles, and small crustaceans. It picks prey from wet rocks, leaf litter, and drift, and occasionally snatches items from the water surface. Tail-wagging behavior may flush prey from crevices.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along clear, fast-flowing forest streams with rocks, logs, and overhanging vegetation that provide cover and foraging surfaces. Often forages on exposed boulders, splash zones, and shaded banks.
