Psarisomus dalhousiae
The Long-tailed Broadbill, Psarisomus dalhousiae, is an avian jewel of the Asian tropical and subtropical forests, instantly recognizable by its dazzling and intricate plumage. Measuring approximately 25-28 cm in length and weighing 50-60 grams, this medium-sized passerine boasts a vibrant apple-green body, a brilliant cobalt-blue crown framed by a velvety black cap and a distinctive yellow throat patch. Its most striking features include a broad, flattened, bright yellow-green bill, iridesce...
This species primarily inhabits moist broadleaf evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, frequently found along forest edges, clearings, and near streams in hilly and mountainous regions, typically between 300 and 2000 meters elevation.
Their diet consists predominantly of insects, including crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and mantises, supplemented occasionally with small frogs and some fruits.
Long-tailed Broadbills are highly social and diurnal birds, often observed foraging in small, cohesive family groups of 5-15 individuals, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Their foraging strategy primarily involves aerial hawking, where they sally forth from a perch to snatch flying insects...
The Long-tailed Broadbill boasts a wide distribution across the Indomalayan realm, primarily residing in resident populations with some localized altitudinal movements. Its core range extends from the lower Himalayas in northeastern India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward through Bangladesh, Myanmar, ...
Least Concern
- The Long-tailed Broadbill is the sole member of its genus, Psarisomus, making it a truly unique broadbill species. - They are exceptionally social birds, often observed in groups of 5-15 individuals, frequently foraging together. - Their pendulous, pear-shaped nests are architectural wonders, o...