Himalayan Bluetail

The Himalayan bluetail, known scientifically as Tarsiger rufilatus, is a small passerine bird with a striking appearance. The adult males boast an intense blue coloration, while females and juveniles are more subdued with a greyer hue. This species, once considered part of the thrush family, is now classified under the Old World flycatchers of the Muscicapidae family.

Identification Tips

To identify the Himalayan bluetail, look for the male's vivid blue tail and rump, which contrast with its orange flanks. Females and juveniles, though less colorful, share the same structural features and can be recognized by their greyer tones and similar size.

Habitat

During the breeding season, the Himalayan bluetail can be found in the bush layer of conifer and mixed conifer-oak forests, with a preference for areas with fir, Picea smithiana, or Pinus wallichiana/Cupressus torulosa. It favors altitudes between 3000–4400 meters and does not venture beyond the tree line.

Distribution

This species is an altitudinal migrant, breeding in the Himalayas and wintering at lower elevations of 1,500–2,500 meters. In winter, it is typically found in broadleaf evergreen forests, dense undergrowth, and thickets, as well as open woodlands.

Behaviour

The Himalayan bluetail is an insectivorous bird that is commonly seen along tracks and favors ridges and mountain tops. It is a short-distance migrant, moving vertically with the seasons between its breeding and wintering habitats.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Himalayan bluetail as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently facing a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Please note that while the Himalayan bluetail is closely related to the red-flanked bluetail, it is distinguished by its migratory behavior and the more intense blue coloration in males. It was previously treated as a subspecies but is now recognized for its distinct characteristics.