Fire-tailed Myzornis
Myzornis pyrrhoura
Uncommon but unmistakable inhabitant of middle- to high-altitude thickets. Bright green with fiery red tail edges, an orange throat, a black line through the eye, and flashing white dots on the wingtips. Females are slightly duller than males but are otherwise similar. Never in large numbers; usually seen singly, occasionally in pairs and trios. Often joins mixed-species foraging flocks.
Identification
The fire-tailed myzornis is a small species of warbler, 11 to 13 cm (4.3–5.1 in) long and weighing 10–13 g (0.35–0.46 oz). It has bright green plumage with a black mask around the eyes and black scalloping on the crown. The wing is black and white with a streak of bright red and the sides of the tail are red too. The bill is long, slightly curved and black.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Myzornis pyrrhoura
- Authority
- Blyth, 1843
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paradoxornithidae
- Genus
- Myzornis
Range and habitat
The species is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is a common species in the upper ridges of the Sikkim and Arunachal Himalayas; mostly between 9,000 ft and 13,000 ft according to climatic conditions and seasonal variation. It prefers bamboo thickets, Rhododendron shrubs, birches, and junipers. There is some seasonal movement, the bird descending to lower altitudes in autumn.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
The fire-tailed myzornis feeds on insects, spiders and small arthropods, as well as consuming fruit, nectar and sap from trees. In India and Nepal the breeding season is April to June, but the season may be longer in Bhutan, as juveniles have been observed in mid-September.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift
Panyptila cayennensis
Small, fast-flying swift of humid tropical lowlands. Usually seen in pairs flying low over the forest canopy, but also ranges out over adjacent open areas, lakes, and rivers. Often in loose association with other small swifts, especially Vaux’s. Note the very narrow wings and long swallow tail, which is usually held closed in a long fine point rather than being spread to show the fork. The small size and bright white throat that contrasts with the black cap and body are distinctive.
Kungwe Apalis
Apalis argentea
Plain apalis with gray upperparts and white underparts. Very localized and poorly known species of montane forest of the Albertine Rift. Often joins mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations are not well documented, but does give a single, repeated “trrik” note as well as a more two-part “tri-ka” note. Very similar to Gray Apalis, but separated by the paler head which lacks brown tones.
Cassin's Spinetail
Neafrapus cassini
A distinctive swift of lowland forest that appears nearly tailless. The wings appear “pinched” at the body but are otherwise fairly straight and broad. Distinctively patterned, with a black throat, wings, and back, a white belly, a white vent, and a narrow white band on top of the rump. Vocalizations and nests are undescribed. Overall pattern is similar to Sabine’s Spinetail, but Cassin’s extremely short tail gives it a unique, forward-heavy profile.
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