Enicurus schistaceus
The Slaty-backed Forktail, *Enicurus schistaceus*, is a striking member of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), instantly recognizable by its bold black, white, and slaty-gray plumage. Measuring approximately 25 cm in length, including its exceptionally long, deeply forked tail, this slender bird weighs around 25-30 grams. Its diagnostic field marks include a dark slaty-gray back and head, a pure white belly, and black wings adorned with a prominent white wing-bar. The defining fea...
This species exclusively inhabits the banks of clear, fast-flowing rocky streams, rivers, and cascades within well-vegetated, often broadleaf evergreen forests. It typically occurs at low to mid-elevations, generally between 200 and 1800 meters above sea level.
The Slaty-backed Forktail primarily consumes aquatic invertebrates, including larvae and adults of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, along with small crustaceans, tadpoles, and sometimes small fish. It forages by gleaning from rocks, wading in shallow water, and short flycatching sallies.
The Slaty-backed Forktail is a diurnal and primarily solitary bird, though pairs will establish and defend a linear territory along a chosen stream stretch. Its most characteristic behavior is a constant, almost rhythmic up-and-down bobbing of its long, forked tail, a motion thought to flush inse...
The Slaty-backed Forktail boasts a wide distribution across Southeast Asia and parts of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing a resident range from the foothills of the Himalayas eastward. Its breeding and year-round territories span Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern India (including Sikkim, Assam, Aru...
Least Concern
- The Slaty-backed Forktail's most distinctive behavior is the continuous, rhythmic up-and-down bobbing of its tail, a trait shared with all other forktail species. - Despite its striking black and white plumage, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot against the dappled light and dark rocks of...