The white-crowned forktail is a species of forktail in the family Muscicapidae. Formally described in 1818, it has five subspecies, each occupying a different geographic range. The largest of the forktails, Enicurus leschenaulti, is between 25 and 28 centimetres long. It has a black throat and breast, black mantle, and largely black wings. The rump and lower back are white, and the bird has a prominent white crown, from which it gets its name. As with other forktails, the tail is long, deeply forked, and banded in black and white. A variety of whistling and clicking calls have been described. Slight morphological differences have been observed between subspecies.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from parts of northeastern India and southern China through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to the Malay Peninsula, and on Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It inhabits shaded, forested streams, rocky creeks, and ravines in evergreen and mixed forests. Prefers clear, fast-flowing water with boulders and exposed roots for perching and foraging. Often found in intact lowland to foothill forests but can extend into montane zones where suitable streams occur.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-crowned forktail is the largest forktail and is instantly recognized by its gleaming white crown and long, deeply forked black-and-white tail. It lives along clean, fast-flowing forest streams and often signals its presence by flicking its tail and giving sharp, whistled notes. Because it prefers unpolluted watercourses, its presence can indicate good stream health. Pairs defend linear territories along creeks and nest in crevices, root tangles, or banks near water.
A white-crowned forktail, painted sometime between 1825 and 1834
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, fast low flights along streams
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs defending linear stretches of stream. Nests are placed in crevices, banks, or root tangles near water; both parents participate in incubation and feeding. Courtship and territorial displays include tail fanning and frequent tail pumping.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, ringing whistles interspersed with sharp clicks and metallic notes. Calls often echo along ravines and are given while perched on rocks or low branches near water.
