Spotted forktail

The spotted forktail is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in the Himalayas and the hills of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China including Yunnan. Birds of this species are 25 cm with a long tail. The sexes are alike, having a white forehead and a black crown and nape, a black back spotted white, and a broad white wing bar. The tail is deeply forked, graduated black and white. The white spotted back easily identifies this species from other similar sized forktail. Its call is a shrill, screechy KREE, mostly given in flight; it also makes some shrill, squeaky notes while perched. It breeds mostly at 1200–3600 m, and descends to about 600 m in winter. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, where it is found in boulder-strewn torrents, forest streams, and roadside canals.

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Distribution

Region

Himalayas to southern China and mainland Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs from the Himalayas through Northeast India and Bangladesh to Myanmar, southern China (including Yunnan), northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist montane forests with clean, fast-flowing streams. It frequents boulder-strewn torrents, shaded ravines, and rocky forest streams, and will also use roadside canals that mimic natural flow. Breeding is mainly at mid to high elevations, with downslope movements in winter.

Altitude Range

600–3600 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size25 cm

Wing Span30–34 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.05 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A striking stream specialist, the spotted forktail patrols rocky mountain torrents where it constantly flicks and fans its deeply forked tail. It often nests on ledges, behind waterfalls, or in crevices near fast-flowing water. Pairs defend linear stretches of stream and communicate with sharp, piercing calls that carry over rushing water.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and stream-bound

Flight Pattern

low, fast flights along streams with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs defending linear territories along watercourses. Nests are placed on ledges, banks, or behind waterfalls, constructed from moss and rootlets. Both parents participate in territory defense and provisioning of young.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Call is a sharp, shrill KREE often given in flight over rushing water. Also produces high, squeaky notes and short chatter when agitated near the nest.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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