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Little forktail
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Muscicapidae
Genus:	Enicurus
Species:	E. scouleri
Binomial name
Enicurus scouleri Vigors, 1832

The little forktail (Enicurus scouleri) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. The specific name commemorates Dr. John Scouler of Glasgow.

Description

The sexes are alike, with black and white plumage. Black above, with white forehead; white band in wings extends across lower back, small, black rump patch; slightly forked, short tail with white in outer feathers; black throat, white below.

Distribution and habitat

The little forktail is a bird of mountain streams, waterfalls and small shaded forest puddles; breeding between 1200-3700m. It is found in the Tian Shan and Himalayan mountain ranges, southern China and Taiwan. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.

Behaviour

They are either solitary or found in pairs. They forage energetically on moss-covered and wet slippery rocks. Their diet consists primarily of aquatic insects, and they plunge underwater to pursue prey. It constantly wags and flicks its tail, occasionally launching short sallies. They are generally silent, save for a rarely uttered sharp 'TZitTzit' call.

References

1. BirdLife International (2018). "Enicurus scouleri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22710123A131957056. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22710123A131957056.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.

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