Sunda Forktail
NameSunda Forktail
Common NameSunda Forktail
Scientific NameEnicurus velatus
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)21
Plumage DetailsDark slate-grey to black upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting with a pure white belly and vent. It features a prominent white band across the forehead and a white bar on the black wings. The long, deeply forked tail is black with white outer feathers and white tips on the inner feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a high-pitched, thin "tsee-tsee" or "swee-swee" call, often heard while foraging. It also produces a short, sharp alarm call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Greater Sunda Islands, specifically found in Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Lombok in Southeast Asia.
Identifying Featuresblack and white plumage, prominent white forehead band, long, deeply forked tail, white wing bar, stream-side habitat
Description
The Sunda Forktail is a small, striking black and white bird known for its distinctive deeply forked tail. It typically forages for aquatic insects along the banks of clear, fast-flowing mountain streams in its forest habitat.
