Rusty-bellied Shortwing
Brachypteryx hyperythra
锈腹短翅鸫
Introduction
The rusty-bellied shortwing (Brachypteryx hyperythra) is a species of Old World flycatcher (family Muscicapidae). It inhabits the dense understory of moist forests in southern Asia, with a range extending through southwestern China, northeastern India, and northern Myanmar. Population assessments have revised its known distribution and abundance. Its conservation status was reclassified following improved population estimates, though habitat pressures remain a concern throughout its range.
Distribution & Habitat
This species occupies a relatively restricted range in southern Asia, occurring in the Chinese province of Yunnan, the northeastern Indian states, and far northern Myanmar. Its habitat preferences include subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, moist montane forests, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland. The species appears to be localized within this range, occurring at various elevations depending on the forest type. No specific migration patterns are documented for this species, suggesting it may be resident year-round within its preferred habitat, though seasonal movements in response to food availability or weather conditions cannot be ruled out given limited research data.
Conservation
The rusty-bellied shortwing was formerly classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List but was downlisted to Near Threatened in 2007 following revised population assessments. Field surveys revealed that the species is more common than previously believed throughout its range, leading to this status change. Despite this improved outlook, habitat loss remains a significant threat to the species. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and human development continues to affect the moist forest habitats upon which this bird depends. Continued monitoring of population trends and habitat状况 is important to ensure the species does not decline to levels that would warrant uplisting in the future.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Brachypteryx
- eBird Code
- rubsho1
Distribution
northeastern India (Sikkim to Arunachal Pradesh) to southwestern China (Yunnan)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.