Lesser Shortwing
NameLesser Shortwing
Common NameLesser Shortwing
Scientific NameBrachypteryx leucophrys
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)14
Plumage DetailsMales are dark slate-grey to blackish above, with a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow stripe) extending from the lores to behind the eye. The underparts are paler grey, often with a whitish belly. Females are typically browner overall.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a thin, high-pitched, often mournful whistle, sometimes a series of clear, ascending notes that can be quite penetrating.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southeast Asia, from the Himalayas through Indochina to the Greater Sunda Islands, inhabiting high-altitude montane forests.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark plumage, prominent white supercilium, short tail, terrestrial foraging
Description
A small, dark, robin-like bird typically found in the dense undergrowth of montane forests. It is known for its terrestrial habits, often foraging on the forest floor, and is generally shy and secretive.
