Gould's Shortwing

Gould's shortwing (Heteroxenicus stellatus) is a diminutive and rather secretive bird, a member of the Muscicapidae family. It is characterized by its chestnut upperparts and dark grey underparts, adorned with delicate white spots reminiscent of a starry sky. Both sexes share a similar plumage, which includes long brown legs and a black bill. This bird measures a modest 12–13 cm in length and weighs between 19–23 g.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify Gould's shortwing, look for its distinctive coloration: a rich chestnut on the back and a contrasting dark grey on the belly, punctuated by white spots. Its long legs and black bill are also key features to note. The bird's small size and elusive nature may pose a challenge, but these characteristics are telltale.

Habitat

The preferred habitat of Gould's shortwing is the rocky areas above the tree line in the eastern Himalayas, where it breeds. During the winter months, it descends to lower altitudes, taking refuge in wooded valleys.

Distribution

This species is found across a range that includes the Himalayas, specifically in regions such as Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Bhutan, extending into Yunnan, northern Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Behaviour

Gould's shortwing exhibits a preference for breeding at high altitudes and then wintering in lower, wooded areas. However, details on its specific behaviors remain largely a mystery to ornithologists.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of Gould's shortwing are currently undocumented, leaving an intriguing gap in the knowledge of this species' natural history.

Breeding

Information on the breeding habits, including the nest and eggs of Gould's shortwing, is yet to be discovered.

Similar Species

As the sole representative of its genus, Heteroxenicus, Gould's shortwing is unique in its appearance. However, it was previously grouped with the genus Brachypteryx, which could be considered when comparing similar species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet and feeding patterns of Gould's shortwing have not been specifically recorded.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List categorizes Gould's shortwing as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.