The Qilian bluetail is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae that is found in north-central China. It formerly considered as conspecific with the red-flanked bluetail.
Region
North-central China
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Qilian Mountains and adjacent uplands where spruce–larch forests grade into subalpine thickets. Prefers dense undergrowth, rhododendron and willow scrub, and forest edges near streams. Uses mixed conifer–broadleaf mosaics and alpine shrublands during the breeding season. In colder months it may shift to lower elevations with brushy cover and sheltered ravines.
Altitude Range
2200–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A recently recognized member of the red-flanked bluetail complex, the Qilian bluetail is a small, ground-loving robin that frequents dense montane scrub and conifer edges in north-central China. Males show vivid blue upperparts and tail with warm rufous flanks, while females are browner with a distinctive blue tail. It forages by short sallies from low perches and by gleaning among leaf litter. Vocal and territorial in the breeding season, it gives thin, high-pitched phrases and sharp ticking calls.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low sallies
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season and strongly territorial. Nests are cup-shaped, placed low in dense cover, banks, or among roots. Outside breeding, it remains quiet and secretive, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks in understory.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, high, tinkling series of thin whistles and trills delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include a sharp tick or tack and high seee notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Male with bright blue crown, mantle, and tail, contrasting with orange-rufous flanks and whitish throat and belly; female largely brown-olive above with a clean blue tail and subtle buffy flanks. Both sexes show fine, neat feathering without heavy streaking.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Takes prey by sallying from low perches and by gleaning among leaves and moss on the ground. In colder months may supplement diet with small berries.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense shrub layers of coniferous and mixed forests, along streamside thickets, and in subalpine scrub. Often forages near fallen logs, root tangles, and edges where cover is close at hand.
