Heinrichia calligyna
The Great Shortwing, *Heinrichia calligyna*, is a captivating and enigmatic passerine belonging to the Old World Flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), and is the sole member of its monotypic genus. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 16 cm in length, presenting a thrush-like profile with a distinctly short tail, which gives it its common name. Males are striking with glossy blue-black upperparts that often shimmer with a metallic sheen, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts an...
This species inhabits the dense undergrowth of montane primary and secondary forests, often favoring areas near ravines or steep slopes. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,500 meters above sea level.
The diet of the Great Shortwing consists almost exclusively of small invertebrates, including various insects like beetles, ants, and larvae, as well as spiders. It primarily forages by gleaning prey from the forest floor leaf litter and low vegetation.
The Great Shortwing is a remarkably shy and reclusive diurnal bird, spending the majority of its active hours on or very near the forest floor, where it moves stealthily through leaf litter. Its primary foraging strategy involves hopping quietly along the ground, gleaning invertebrates, particula...
The Great Shortwing is strictly endemic to the mountainous regions of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and is not found anywhere else in the world. Its distribution is closely tied to the island's montane forests, where it is found throughout the major mountain ranges. Key strongholds include Gunung Lompobat...
Least Concern
- The Great Shortwing is named after German ornithologist Gerd Heinrich, who collected the first specimens in the 1930s during his expeditions to Sulawesi. - Its scientific specific epithet, 'calligyna', means 'beautiful-thighed' or 'beautiful-rumped' in Greek, likely referring to its striking wh...