Myophonus blighi
The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, *Myophonus blighi*, is a strikingly beautiful and elusive passerine endemic to the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Males boast a glossy purplish-blue plumage, accented by brilliant iridescent cobalt blue patches on the shoulders, forehead, and ear coverts, contrasting with a black bill and legs. Females exhibit strong sexual dimorphism, appearing largely chestnut-brown with duller blue markings on the rump and wings, lacking the male's vibrant head and shoulder...
Found in damp, shady ravines and dense undergrowth of high-altitude evergreen forests, primarily along fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers, typically between 900 and 2000 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, crickets, earthworms, snails, and occasionally small frogs or berries found near water.
This highly secretive and shy bird is typically seen alone, active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk. It forages by hopping on mossy rocks or probing leaf litter and crevices near mountain streams, darting quickly to catch prey. The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush is highly territorial, wi...
The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush is strictly endemic to the montane cloud forests of Sri Lanka, confined to the central highlands of the island. Its distribution is fragmented, occurring in suitable habitats within major forest reserves and protected areas such as Horton Plains National Park, Peak ...
Vulnerable
- This bird is strictly endemic to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, making it a highly sought-after species for birders visiting the island. - Its scientific name, *blighi*, honors Commander Samuel Bligh, who collected the type specimen. - The male's iridescent blue patches can appear to shift...