The small niltava is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills east through northeastern India and into Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of southern China/Tibet. It favors subtropical and tropical moist montane forests with dense undergrowth. Birds are frequently found in shaded gullies, bamboo thickets, and along forest streams. It also uses forest edges and secondary growth where cover remains dense.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The small niltava is a compact forest flycatcher whose male is a striking deep blue with a dark mask, while the female is cryptic brown with a pale throat. It often hunts by sallying from shaded perches along ravines and streams. In many parts of its range it makes short altitudinal movements, dropping to lower elevations in the non-breeding season. A broad, flat bill with rictal bristles helps it snatch flying insects with precision.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, defending small territories in dense forest. During breeding, pairs nest in cavities, banks, or tree holes lined with moss and plant fibers. Clutch size is small, and both sexes may participate in parental duties. Outside breeding, it remains unobtrusive and secretive in dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a soft, sweet series of clear whistles delivered from shaded perches. Calls include thin, high-pitched notes and short chips. Vocalizations carry modestly in dense forest but are repeated frequently at dawn.
