CHESNUT NAPED FORKTAIL

BURUNG CEGAR TENGKUK MERAH

Maxwell Hill, Taiping

Coming for the new year 2023 - Lovely 

Chestnut-naped Forktail (Enicurus ruficapillus)

The Chestnut-naped Forktail is a striking bird found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra. It thrives in forested streams and rivers, where it forages along rocky banks.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Medium-sized, about 20-22 cm in length.
• Plumage: Black-and-white body with a rich chestnut-colored nape.
• Distinctive Features: Long, deeply forked tail, bold white wing patches, and a black mask extending from the face to the throat.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look similar, though females may have slightly duller plumage.

Behavior & Habitat

• Prefers fast-flowing forest streams, often seen hopping on rocks and logs.
• Feeds on insects, larvae, and small aquatic creatures, using its sharp vision to detect prey.
• Moves in solitary pairs, rarely forming large groups.
• Known for its swift, darting flight and wagging tail movements.

Breeding & Conservation

• Breeding Season: Typically between March and June.
• Builds a cup-shaped nest in rock crevices or tree roots near water.
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened, mainly due to habitat destruction and water pollution.