Rufous-bellied Niltava
NameRufous-bellied Niltava
Common NameRufous-bellied Niltava
Scientific NameNiltava sundara
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)21.5
Plumage DetailsMales display deep indigo-blue upperparts, including the wings and tail, with brilliant iridescent cobalt-blue patches on the crown and shoulders. The face and throat are black, contrasting sharply with the vibrant rufous-orange underparts that extend from the breast to the belly. Females are olive-brown with a rufous-tinged tail, a paler throat, and often a small blue patch on the neck.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of soft, melodious, often descending whistles, sometimes described as 'twee-twee-twee-twee-twee' or 'swee-swee-swee'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Rufous-bellied Niltava is found across the Himalayas, from northern India through Nepal and Bhutan, extending into Southeast Asia including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China.
Identifying FeaturesVibrant blue and rufous-orange plumage (male), Iridescent cobalt-blue crown and shoulder patches (male), Black face and throat (male), Olive-brown plumage with blue neck patch (female), Medium-sized flycatcher, Prefers montane forest habitats
Description
The Rufous-bellied Niltava is a strikingly colored passerine bird, known for the male's vibrant blue and orange plumage. It is an active insectivore, typically found foraging in the undergrowth of montane forests. This species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females being much duller in coloration.
