Sunda Forktail

The Sunda forktail, Enicurus velatus, presents a striking figure with its deeply forked tail and contrasting plumage. Measuring at 16 cm (6.3 in) in length, the male boasts a white breast, belly, and rump, set against black wings, a dark grey back, and head. A delicate white line graces the space between its eyes. The tail is a canvas of black with white barring. The female mirrors the male in many respects but is distinguished by a brown crown and nape.

Identification Tips

To identify the Sunda forktail, look for the characteristic forked tail and the contrasting black and white plumage. The male's white underparts are a key feature, while the female's brown crown and nape can help differentiate her from the male. The Sumatran subspecies, sumatranus, has more rufous brown on the female, which can be a helpful distinction in the field.

Habitat

This species favors the boulder-strewn streams nestled within the tropical moist montane forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 600 to 2000 meters. On occasion, they may venture closer to sea level.

Distribution

The Sunda forktail is endemic to Indonesia, with its presence confined to the islands of Java and Sumatra. While common in Sumatra, it is a rarer sight in Java, where the white-crowned forktail tends to dominate.

Behaviour

The Sunda forktail is known to feed on aquatic insects, their larvae, and snails. When it comes to nesting, this bird constructs a large cup-shaped structure from mosses, grasses, leaves, and wood fibers. It lays two whitish eggs adorned with red spotting.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Sunda forktail can be described as a hard, shrill "chee" or a "hie-tie-tie," which can be heard echoing through its montane stream habitats.

Breeding

The breeding behavior of the Sunda forktail involves the creation of a substantial nest made of woven mosses and other natural materials. The female lays a clutch of two eggs, which are whitish with red spotting, a common trait among many bird species.

Similar Species

In its range, the Sunda forktail may be confused with the white-crowned forktail, especially in Java where both species occur. Observers should note the specific plumage details and habitat preferences to accurately distinguish between them.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Sunda forktail primarily consists of aquatic insects and their larvae, supplemented by snails. Their foraging behavior is closely tied to their streamside habitats.

Conservation status

The Sunda forktail is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of concern.