Myzornis pyrrhoura
The Fire-tailed Myzornis (*Myzornis pyrrhoura*) is an avian jewel of the eastern Himalayas, renowned for its dazzling emerald-green plumage. This small passerine, measuring typically 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches) in length, boasts a striking orange-red tail that gives it its evocative name. Further identifying marks include prominent black lores, a black stripe extending behind the eye, a contrasting white patch on the ear-coverts, and a slender, slightly decurved orange bill framed by an orange ...
Found in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, bamboo thickets, and rhododendron forests, typically at elevations between 1,800 to 3,900 meters.
Primarily feeds on nectar, especially from *Rhododendron* species, supplemented by small insects such as caterpillars, aphids, and beetles, which are gleaned from foliage.
The Fire-tailed Myzornis is a highly active and restless bird, primarily diurnal. It forages acrobatically, often hanging upside down to probe flowers for nectar with its specialized bill, much like a hummingbird. It also gleans small insects, such as caterpillars, aphids, and small beetles, from...
The Fire-tailed Myzornis is endemic to the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot and surrounding highland regions. Its distribution spans eastern Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India (including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and northern West Bengal), northern Myanmar, southern China (specifically sout...
Least Concern
- It is the sole species in its genus, *Myzornis*, making it a truly unique lineage among birds. - Despite its striking appearance, its emerald green plumage provides remarkable camouflage amidst the dense, leafy canopy of its montane forest habitat. - Its specialized, slender, decurved bill is p...