The slaty-backed forktail is a species of forktail in the family Muscicapidae. A slim, medium-sized forktail, it is distinguished from similar species by its slate grey forehead, crown, and mantle. It has a long and deeply forked tail banded in black and white, a white rump, and a white bar across its primary feathers; the rest of the plumage is predominantly white. The sexes look alike. The bird frequents the edges of fast-flowing streams and rivers, where it hunts small invertebrates by hopping among rocks or flying out over the water. It breeds between February and July, laying 3–4 pinkish, bluish, or white eggs; both sexes incubate the eggs.
Region
Himalayas and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Himalayan foothills of northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan east through northeast India and Bangladesh into Myanmar, southern China (e.g., Yunnan and Guangxi), and Indochina including Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, reaching parts of Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits shaded, boulder-strewn streams and rivers in forested hills and mountains, as well as ravines and gorges. Prefers clear, fast-flowing water with exposed rocks and fallen logs. In the nonbreeding season it may move to lower elevations along broader streams, but still avoids stagnant waters.
Altitude Range
100–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking stream specialist constantly flicks and fans its long, deeply forked tail while foraging on wet rocks. It depends on clean, fast-flowing forest streams, making it a good indicator of healthy headwater ecosystems. Pairs defend linear territories along creeks and often nest in crevices, under bridges, or behind waterfalls. Outside the breeding season it may descend to lower valleys but generally remains near running water year-round.
Slaty-backed forktail at Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
A disused nest from Northeast India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low over water; quick sallies from rocks
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs along linear stretches of stream, where they defend territories. Nests are placed in crevices, banks, root tangles, or under bridges; both sexes build and incubate. Breeding typically February–July with clutches of 3–4 eggs; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of clear whistles and trills delivered from streamside perches. Calls include sharp, metallic ‘tsit’ or ‘tik’ notes, often given in quick sequences while foraging.
Plumage
Slate-gray forehead, crown, and mantle contrasting with a white rump and largely white underparts; long, deeply forked tail boldly banded black and white; a distinct white bar across the primaries.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic and semi-aquatic invertebrates such as mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, beetles, and their larvae. Also takes small crustaceans and other arthropods picked from wet rocks and drift. Forages by gleaning, pecking, and short sallies over the water surface, often returning to favored perches.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along clear, fast-flowing forest streams with exposed rocks, logs, and plunge pools. Often uses boulders midstream and the edges of riffles where invertebrate drift is concentrated.
