Passeriformes / Muscicapidae / Enicurus
Spotted Forktail
Enicurus maculatus · 斑背燕尾
Introduction
A species in the family Muscicapidae found in the Himalayas and hills of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China including Yunnan. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, specifically boulder-strewn torrents, forest streams, and roadside canals.
Description
Measures 25 cm with a long tail. Sexes are alike, featuring a white forehead, black crown and nape, and a black back spotted white. Possesses a broad white wing bar. The tail is deeply forked and graduated black and white.
Identification
The white spotted back distinguishes this species from other similar-sized forktails. Vocalizations include a shrill, screechy KREE call mostly given in flight, and shrill, squeaky notes while perched.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in the Himalayas and hills of Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China including Yunnan. Breeds mostly at 1200–3600 m and descends to about 600 m in winter. Habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, boulder-strewn torrents, forest streams, and roadside canals.
Behavior & Ecology
Breeds mostly at elevations between 1200 and 3600 meters, descending to approximately 600 meters in winter. Calls include a shrill, screechy KREE mostly given in flight and shrill, squeaky notes while perched.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Enicurus
Vocalizations
Subspecies (4)
-
Enicurus maculatus bacatus
mountains of southern China (southeastern Yunnan and northwestern Fujian) to northern Vietnam
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.
