The Himalayan bluetail, also called the Himalayan red-flanked bush-robin or orange-flanked bush-robin, is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but is now more generally considered to be an Old World flycatcher of Muscicapidae. While currently under review, this taxon is not current recognized as a species by BirdLife international.
Region
Himalayas
Typical Environment
Breeds in subalpine and montane forests along the Himalayan arc from northern Pakistan and India through Nepal and Bhutan to northeastern India and adjacent southwestern China. Prefers coniferous woods with dense rhododendron or bamboo undergrowth, forest edges, and clearings. In winter it descends to lower elevations, using mixed broadleaf forests, shrubby ravines, tea gardens, and wooded parks. Occasional wintering occurs in the foothills and into northern parts of Southeast Asia.
Altitude Range
500–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Himalayan red-flanked bush-robin, this small Old World flycatcher was long treated as a subspecies of the red-flanked bluetail. Many authorities now consider it a separate species restricted to the Himalayas, with altitudinal movements between breeding and wintering zones. Males are strikingly blue with orange flanks, while females are more cryptic and brownish with a blue tail.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with darting, low sallies
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, holding small territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in banks, tree roots, or dense shrubbery; the female does most of the building and incubation. Pairs are monogamous within a season, and both parents feed the young. Outside breeding, it remains unobtrusive and loosely associates with mixed-species flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, sweet, tinkling warble delivered from low perches, with clear high notes and short trills. Calls include a sharp tick and a high, sibilant seee given when alarmed or moving through dense cover.
