Hemipus hirundinaceus
The Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus hirundinaceus) is a charmingly small and active passerine, measuring approximately 12.5-14 cm in length and weighing around 8-12 grams. Its distinctive plumage features glossy black wings, tail, and head, contrasting sharply with a pristine white belly, a greyish back, and a prominent white rump. The deeply forked tail, strikingly reminiscent of a swallow (hence its scientific epithet "hirundinaceus"), is a key field mark, aiding identification alon...
Primarily found in lowland and hill forests, including primary and secondary growth, open woodlands, forest edges, and plantations. Typically occurs at elevations from sea level up to 1,200 meters.
Feeds primarily on a variety of small to medium-sized insects and their larvae, which are captured through aerial hawking (sallying from a perch) or gleaned directly from foliage and branches.
The Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, typically observed foraging solitarily, in pairs, or within small family groups. It often joins the vanguard of mixed-species foraging flocks, moving purposefully through the canopy and sub-canopy. Its foraging strateg...
The Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike is a resident species distributed throughout the Sundaic region of Southeast Asia, exhibiting no migratory movements. Its core range encompasses the Malay Peninsula, extending south through the large islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and Bali. Countries included...
Least Concern
- The "Flycatcher-shrike" name is a taxonomic curiosity, as it belongs to neither the true flycatcher (Muscicapidae) nor shrike (Laniidae) families, but the Cuckooshrike family (Campephagidae). - Its scientific name, *hirundinaceus*, means "swallow-like," a direct reference to its deeply forked t...