Long-tailed Broadbill

The Long-tailed Broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae, is a vibrant avian species distinguished by its striking yellow throat and bluish-green plumage adorning its belly, back, and wings. This bird, approximately 25 cm in length and weighing between 50 and 60 grams, is notable for its elongated blue tail contrasted by a black under-tail. The adult's head is adorned with a helmet-like black cap, featuring a sleek blue patch on the crown and a smaller patch at the nape. Its bill is robust and yellowish-green, complementing pea-green toes and brown legs. Juveniles present a shorter tail and a green head with more subdued plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the Long-tailed Broadbill, look for the bright yellow throat and face, bordered by a thin band of pale yellow or whitish feathers. The black cap with blue patches is distinctive, as is the bright green plumage with a combination of pigmentary and structural color. The primary feathers are black with a metallic blue margin and a white spot on the base of the inner web. The long blue tail and the strong, broad bill are also key identification features.

Habitat

This forest-dwelling bird thrives in broad-leaved evergreen forests, often near small bodies of water such as streams and wetlands. It is found at altitudes ranging from 150 to 2500 meters.

Distribution

The Long-tailed Broadbill graces the Himalayas, extending east through Northeastern India to Southeast Asia, and is discontinuously found through South-East Asia to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. It is a resident, non-migratory species, with some populations in the Himalayas moving to lower altitudes during winter.

Behaviour

The Long-tailed Broadbill is a sociable creature, typically seen in large, noisy parties outside of the mating season. It is known for its shyness, often concealing itself among tree foliage despite its loud calls.

Song & Calls

Its vocal repertoire includes a series of loud, sharp whistles that descend in pitch, such as "pseeu..pseeu..pseeu" and "tseeay..tseeay," along with a sharp rasping "pseeup."

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary by location, with the Indian Subcontinent seeing activity from March to April and Myanmar from April onwards. The female lays 5 to 6 white, oval-shaped eggs, which are incubated and fed by both parents. The species may exhibit cooperative breeding behaviors.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous diet sustains the Long-tailed Broadbill, with a preference for grasshoppers, crickets, locusts, beetles, aphids, flies, bugs, moths, and spiders. They may also indulge in small frogs, berries, and fruits.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Long-tailed Broadbill as Least Concern, with the species being fairly common across its range and protected within many national parks.