Asian Fairy-bluebird

The Asian fairy-bluebird, Irena puella, is a medium-sized, arboreal passerine bird, resplendent in its glossy, iridescent plumage. The adult male is particularly striking with its ultramarine-blue upperparts and deep black underparts, while the female and immature males are cloaked in a more subdued blue-green.

Identification Tips

Males are easily identified by their bright blue and black plumage, with the blue extending over the upperparts, lesser wing coverts, and under tail coverts. Females and young males, on the other hand, display a brownish blue coloration with brighter feather edges. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, making the males and females quite distinct in appearance.

Habitat

The Asian fairy-bluebird favors the lush canopies of evergreen forests in the hills and plains, as well as various types of humid and deciduous forests. It is typically found at elevations up to 1,600 meters, thriving in mature rainforests and rustic cardamom plantations.

Distribution

This species graces the landscapes of Sri Lanka, India, the Himalayan foothills, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its range extends through Indochina, encompassing Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and nearby islands.

Behaviour

The Asian fairy-bluebird is a sociable creature, often seen in small groups or pairs. It is a common sight in its preferred habitats, flitting through the treetops with grace.

Song & Calls

The call of the Asian fairy-bluebird is a melodious two-note 'glue-it', which adds a liquid charm to the forest soundscape.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from February to April. The species constructs a shallow cup-shaped nest, often in a sapling or small tree. Typically, two greenish-white eggs marked with brown are laid, which measure about 1.14 cm by 0.77 cm.

Diet and Feeding

A frugivore at heart, the Asian fairy-bluebird primarily indulges in fruits, supplementing its diet with nectar and occasional insects. It forages in the larger forest trees, contributing to seed dispersal.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Asian fairy-bluebird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.