The rufous-vented niltava is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sundaland (Malay Peninsula and Sumatra)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, favoring dense undergrowth and forest edges. It is most often encountered along shaded gullies, stream corridors, and mossy ridges where perches are plentiful. The bird uses mid-story and lower canopy strata, making short sallies to capture prey. It tolerates selectively logged forest and older secondary growth if substantial cover remains.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The rufous-vented niltava is a striking Old World flycatcher, with males showing deep blue plumage and a characteristic rufous patch beneath the tail. It keeps to shaded montane forest, often near ravines and streams, and can be surprisingly skulking despite its vivid colors. It hawks insects from low to mid-story perches and will also take small fruits when available.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs defend small territories within suitable montane forest. Nesting is thought to occur in natural cavities, banks, or sheltered recesses, with both parents feeding the young. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks in the mid-story.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, sweet, whistled phrases delivered from a shaded perch, often at dawn. Calls include sharp ticking notes and soft chups given during foraging or when alarmed.
Plumage
Male with glossy deep blue head and upperparts, blackish face and throat, darker underparts, and a distinct rufous vent; female warm brown above with paler buffy underparts and rufous vent area. Both sexes show relatively plain wings and a contrastingly colored vent beneath the tail.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and ground-dwelling insects such as beetles, flies, and moths, captured by sallying or short pounces from a perch. It also gleans from foliage and bark in the mid-story. Small fruits and berries are occasionally taken, especially when insect activity is low.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded forest trails, stream margins, and dense understory where perches and cover are abundant. Often forages from mid-level branches, dropping or darting out to seize prey before returning to the same or nearby perch.
