Little forktail

The little forktail (Enicurus scouleri) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae.

Little forktail
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Genus: Enicurus
Species:
E. scouleri
Binomial name
Enicurus scouleri
Vigors, 1832
Little Forktail in Sikkim India

It is found in the Tian Shan and Himalayan mountain ranges, southern China and Taiwan. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. The little forktail is a bird of mountain streams, waterfalls and small shaded forest puddles; breeding between 1200-3700m.

The sexes are alike, with black and white plumage. Black above, with white forehead; white band in wings extends across lower back, small, black rump patch; slightly forked, short tail with white in outer feathers; black throat, white below.

They are either solitary or are found in pairs. They forage energetically on moss-covered and wet slippery rocks. constantly wags and flicks tail, occasionally launches short sallies, but also plunges underwater, dipper- style to pursue prey. Their diet includes aquatic insects. They are generally silent save for a rarely uttered sharp 'TZitTzit' call.

The specific name commemorates Dr John Scouler of Glasgow.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Enicurus scouleri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)


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