Forktail

Forktails are small insectivorous birds in the genus Enicurus.
They are related to the Old World flycatchers, Muscicapidae.
Forktails live in Asia, chiefly in the Himalayan region.
They prefer habitats near mountain streams, where they pick insects from stones.
Forktails have loud whistling calls and striking plumage, often with black and white patterns.
Forktails are named for their long forked tail, which they use for balance and maneuverability.

Forktails are not very common and are difficult to observe due to their shy and secretive nature.
Some species of forktails are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and climate change.
Forktails are considered to be indicators of healthy ecosystems, as they require clean water and undisturbed forests.

Forktails are divided into seven species:

• Slaty-backed forktail (Enicurus schistaceus)

• Little forktail (Enicurus scouleri)

• Sunda forktail (Enicurus velatus)

• White-crowned forktail (Enicurus leschenaulti)

• Black-backed forktail (Enicurus immaculatus)

• Chestnut-naped forktail (Enicurus ruficapillus)

• Spotted forktail (Enicurus maculatus)

Each species has its own range and characteristics, but they all share the distinctive forked tail and insectivorous diet.
Forktails are monogamous and territorial, and usually nest on the ground or near water.
They lay two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Forktails are active during the day and roost at night in dense vegetation.

Forktails are fascinating birds that deserve more attention and conservation efforts.
They are part of the rich biodiversity of Asia and contribute to the ecological balance of their habitats.
Forktails are also admired for their beauty and vocalizations, which make them attractive to birdwatchers and nature lovers.

A forktail is a small bird that belongs to the genus Enicurus in the family Muscicapidae.

The name forktail comes from its long and deeply forked tail, which is often spread out when the bird is perched or flying.

Forktails are insectivorous and usually found near mountain streams and forests in Asia, especially in the Himalayas.

They have loud and whistling calls and nest in rock crevices.

There are eight species of forktails, each with different plumage patterns and colors.

Some of the common ones are:

• Little forktail (Enicurus scouleri): This is the smallest forktail, measuring about 13 cm in length.
  It has a black head, throat, and upper breast, a white lower breast and belly, and a black-and-white tail.
  The wings are dark brown with white spots.
  The bill and legs are yellow.

• Spotted forktail (Enicurus maculatus): This is a larger forktail, measuring about 23 cm in length.
  It has a black head, neck, and upper breast, a white lower breast and belly with black spots, and a black-and-white tail.
  The wings are black with white bars.
  The bill is black and the legs are orange.

• White-crowned forktail (Enicurus leschenaulti): This is the largest forktail, measuring about 30 cm in length.
  It has a black head, neck, and upper breast, a white lower breast and belly, and a black-and-white tail.
  The wings are black with white spots.
  The bill is black and the legs are yellow.
  It has a distinctive white crown and a white patch on the nape.

Forktails are beautiful and unique birds that can be admired for their graceful flight and lively behavior.

They are also important indicators of the health of the ecosystems they inhabit, as they require clean water and natural habitats to survive.