The Sunda forktail is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it is restricted to the islands of Java and Sumatra. Its natural habitat is boulder strewn streams in tropical moist montane forest from 600–2000 m. More rarely the species occurs closer to sea level. The species is common in Sumatra, but is rarer in Java, where the white-crowned forktail is more common.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Restricted to Indonesia, where it inhabits forested streams on Sumatra and Java. It favors rocky, fast-flowing creeks and ravines within moist montane forest, typically under dense canopy. Birds are most often seen hopping over boulders, along water edges, and near waterfalls and plunge pools. It tolerates lightly disturbed forest but avoids heavily silted or open, sun-exposed streams. While centered in montane zones, it can descend to lower elevations locally, especially where suitable shaded streams persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sunda forktail is a stream specialist that patrols shaded, boulder-strewn mountain creeks, often wagging its deeply forked tail as it forages. It occurs only on Sumatra and Java, with pairs defending short stretches of clean, fast-flowing water. It is often heard before seen, giving sharp metallic calls and thin whistles over the sound of rushing streams.
Female with juvenile
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to water, low swift dashes between boulders
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain and defend short stream territories. Nests are typically placed near rushing water on banks, ledges, or among roots and rocks, well concealed by moss and vegetation. Pairs communicate with sharp calls over the ambient noise of streams and may reuse favored stretches across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp metallic ticks and thin, high whistles, often delivered in bursts above the sound of water. Song is a simple, high-pitched series of piping notes given from rocks or low perches along the stream.
