Little Forktail

The Little Forktail, Enicurus scouleri, presents a striking black and white plumage. Both sexes are similar in appearance, adorned with a white forehead and a distinctive white band that extends across the lower back, intersecting the otherwise black upperparts. A small patch of black graces the rump, while the tail, slightly forked and short, features white on the outer feathers. Below, the bird is white, contrasting sharply with a black throat.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Little Forktail, look for the characteristic white band across the lower back and the white in the outer tail feathers. The bird's black and white plumage is quite distinctive, with the white forehead being a key feature. The tail's slight fork is another identifying trait, though less pronounced than in other forktail species.

Habitat

This bird favors the environs of mountain streams, waterfalls, and small shaded forest puddles. It thrives in areas where water and forest meet, from subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests to subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Distribution

The Little Forktail is found across a range of mountainous regions, including the Tian Shan and Himalayan ranges, extending to southern China and Taiwan. It breeds at elevations between 1,200 and 3,700 meters, indicating its preference for cooler, higher altitude environments.

Behaviour

The Little Forktail is typically observed alone or in pairs. It exhibits an energetic foraging behavior on moss-covered rocks and wet surfaces, often seen wagging and flicking its tail. This bird is adept at plunging underwater in pursuit of aquatic insects, which form the bulk of its diet.

Song & Calls

While generally a silent species, the Little Forktail occasionally emits a sharp 'TZitTzit' call. This call is rarely heard, suggesting a preference for stealth and quietude in its natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding

Aquatic insects constitute the primary diet of the Little Forktail. It is known to actively pursue its prey underwater, demonstrating its specialized feeding habits that are well-adapted to its riparian surroundings.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Little Forktail as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation concern.