Eumyias albicaudatus
The Nilgiri Flycatcher, *Eumyias albicaudatus*, is a strikingly beautiful passerine bird, endemic to the high-altitude montane forests of the Western Ghats in Southern India. This vibrant species measures approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length and weighs between 12-16 grams, characterized by its deep indigo-blue plumage with a darker, almost black, face and lores, and a conspicuous white vent and undertail coverts. Its vivid coloration, coupled with its shy demeanor and preference for dense...
Exclusively inhabits high-altitude evergreen shola forests and dense montane undergrowth, typically found between 900 and 2000 meters (3,000 to 6,500 feet) elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small flies, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders; occasionally supplements its diet with small berries.
The Nilgiri Flycatcher is a diurnal bird, active throughout the day, often observed foraging in the dim light of its dense forest habitat. It employs a 'sally-glean' foraging strategy, perching upright on a prominent branch before darting out to snatch flying insects in mid-air or gleaning them f...
The Nilgiri Flycatcher is strictly endemic to the upper reaches of the Western Ghats mountain range in Southern India. Its primary distribution includes the Nilgiri Hills, Palani Hills, Anaimalai Hills, Brahmagiri Hills, and associated high-elevation plateaus across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kera...
Least Concern
- The Nilgiri Flycatcher is one of India's few truly endemic bird species, found nowhere else in the world. - Its scientific name, *albicaudatus*, literally means 'white-tailed', referring to its diagnostic white undertail coverts. - Despite its striking cobalt-blue plumage, it's known for being ...