- general description
- appearance
- the white-browed shortwing is a small, compact bird with a relatively short tail and rounded wings.
- males have dark blue to blue-black plumage with a distinctive white eyebrow stripe that gives the bird its name.
- females are typically brown with a paler, slightly buffy underpart and lack the bold white eyebrow of the males.
- both sexes have a slender bill and dark eyes, with pinkish legs and feet.
- size
- measures about 14-16 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 25-35 grams.
- behavior
- known for its shy and elusive nature, often staying hidden in dense undergrowth.
- it has a rich, melodious song that can be quite complex, often heard at dawn and dusk.
- primarily terrestrial, it forages close to the ground, hopping along and flicking its wings and tail as it searches for insects.
- habitat
- range
- found in parts of south asia and southeast asia, including india, bhutan, nepal, myanmar, thailand, laos, and vietnam.
- several subspecies are distributed across montane regions in these countries.
- environment
- inhabits montane and subtropical forests, preferring dense undergrowth and thick, moist habitats such as rhododendron thickets, bamboo groves, and forest edges.
- often found at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 meters, depending on the region.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
- forages mainly on the ground, turning over leaves and debris to uncover prey.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a dome-shaped nest made of moss, leaves, and plant fibers, usually placed on or near the ground in dense vegetation.
- nests are well-hidden to protect against predators and are often placed on steep banks or under overhanging vegetation.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies depending on the region but generally occurs during the spring and early summer months.
- female lays 2-3 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 12-15 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its stable population and relatively wide distribution across montane habitats.
- interesting facts
- the white-browed shortwing is known for its beautiful song, which is often used to establish territory and attract mates.
- its elusive nature and preference for dense undergrowth make it a challenging bird to observe in the wild, often being heard more often than seen.
- the species is well-adapted to high-altitude environments, thriving in cool, moist forest habitats.