Myiomela leucura
The White-tailed Robin (Myiomela leucura) is a captivating passerine of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), renowned for its striking plumage and melodious song. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm in length and weighing 17-27 grams, adult males display a glossy, dark blue-black body, complemented by a brilliant white patch on the outer tail feathers that is particularly conspicuous when fanned. A small, often concealed, white patch may also adorn the shoulder. Females are more subtl...
Primarily inhabits dense undergrowth of subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forests, evergreen forests, and degraded woodlands, often near streams or ravines, typically at elevations between 900-3000 meters.
Consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, grubs, and larvae, gleaned from the forest floor or caught in short aerial sallies.
The White-tailed Robin is a shy and largely solitary or paired species, active during the day but often remaining within the dense cover of its forest habitat. It forages primarily on the ground, hopping amongst leaf litter and probing moss to uncover insects and other small invertebrates, occasi...
The White-tailed Robin boasts a wide distribution across the Asian continent, primarily inhabiting the montane regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the eastern Himalayas, encompassing parts of northern Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India,...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the White-tailed Robin is not a true robin like the American Robin, but an Old World Flycatcher (family Muscicapidae). - Its scientific name 'leucura' is derived from Greek, meaning 'white-tailed', a direct reference to its most striking field mark. - Males often displa...