Sunda Forktail
A species of Forktails Scientific name : Enicurus velatus Genus : Forktails
Sunda Forktail, A species of Forktails
Botanical name: Enicurus velatus
Genus: Forktails
Content
Description
Photo By attila21 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Sunda forktail (Enicurus velatus) 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. The Sunda forktail is 16 cm (6.3 in) n length with a deeply forked tail. The male has a white breast, belly and rump, and black wings, and a dark grey back and head. There is a small white line between the eyes. The tail is black with white barring. The female is similar to the male but has a brown crown and nape. There are two subspecies described, the nominate race occurring on Java. The Sumatran subspecies, sumatranus, differs from the nominate in having more rufous brown on the female. The call of his species is a hard shrill "chee" or "hie-tie-tie" The Sunda forktail feeds on aquatic insects and their larvae, as well as snails. The nest of this species is a large cup of woven mosses, grasses leaves and wood fibres. Two whitish with red spotting eggs are a laid.
Size
16 cm
Feeding Habits
Sunda Forktail primarily consumes water insects, their larvae, and snails, using specialized foraging methods suited to its riparian habitat.
Habitat
The sunda Forktail typically inhabits the boulder-strewn riverbeds and margins of fast-flowing streams situated in hill and montane forests. These environments are characterized by their dense, lush vegetation, providing essential cover and foraging opportunities. The bird favors areas where clear, fresh water is abundant, reflecting its reliance on aquatic ecosystems within broader montane tropical regions.
Dite type
Insectivorous
Photo By attila21 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Old world flycatchers Genus
Forktails Species
Sunda Forktail