The long-tailed broadbill is a species of bird that is found in the Himalayas, extending east through Northeastern India to Southeast Asia. It is the only bird in the genus Psarisomus. The long-tailed broadbill is about 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighs between 50 and 60 grams. It can be identified by its shrill call.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of India, Nepal, and Bhutan east through Myanmar into Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits evergreen and moist broadleaf forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with tall canopy. The species favors mid- to upper-story strata and often follows streams or ravines with dense cover. It adapts to selectively logged forest if sufficient canopy remains, but avoids open farmland and heavily urbanized areas.
Altitude Range
150–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The long-tailed broadbill is the only member of its genus and is instantly recognizable by its black cap, bright yellow face, and sky-blue nape band. It weaves a large, ball-shaped, hanging nest, often over water or open clearings, with a side entrance. These birds frequently join mixed-species flocks and communicate with sharp, shrill calls. Both sexes participate in nest building and care of the young.
From Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand, India.
P. d. psittacinus
In John Gould's Birds of Asia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are large, ball-shaped structures suspended from high branches, typically with a side entrance. Both parents build the nest, incubate, and feed the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, sharp whistles and thin, shrill notes, often repeated in quick series. Songs are simple, carrying well through the canopy and used for contact within groups.
