Nilgiri Sholakili
NameNilgiri Sholakili
Common NameNilgiri Sholakili
Scientific NameSholicola major
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsDark slate-blue to blue-grey on the head, back, wings, and tail. White throat and breast, sharply demarcated from the dark upperparts. Rufous-orange flanks and vent. It has dark eyes, a dark bill, and dark legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its melodious, fluty song, often delivered from dense cover. It also produces various alarm calls and contact notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Nilgiri Hills and adjacent parts of the Western Ghats in southern India.
Identifying FeaturesDark blue-grey upperparts, White throat and breast, Rufous flanks, Small size, Shy, skulking behavior in dense undergrowth
Description
A small, shy passerine endemic to the montane evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. It is characterized by its striking dark blue-grey upperparts contrasting with a white belly and rufous flanks, often found foraging in dense undergrowth.
