Long-tailed Minivet
NameLong-tailed Minivet
Common NameLong-tailed Minivet
Scientific NamePericrocotus ethologus
FamilyCampephagidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)20.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a glossy black head, back, wings, and central tail feathers, with bright scarlet-red underparts, rump, and prominent wing patches. Females have a grey head and back, with yellow underparts, rump, and wing patches. Both sexes possess a long, graduated tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, whistling 'swee-swee-swee' or 'twee-twee-twee' often given while foraging.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Himalayas and parts of mainland Southeast Asia, extending from northern Pakistan and India eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and into southern China.
Identifying FeaturesStriking black and red (male) or grey and yellow (female) plumage, Long, graduated tail, Arboreal behavior, often in flocks, High-pitched whistling calls
Description
The Long-tailed Minivet is a slender, arboreal bird known for its striking sexual dimorphism. Males display glossy black and bright red plumage, while females are grey and yellow. They typically forage for insects in the canopy, often moving in small flocks.
