Nilgiri Flycatcher
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The Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus) is a small bird species that belongs to the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, specifically found in the high-altitude shola forests of the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Description
The Nilgiri flycatcher is a small bird, measuring about 14 cm in length and weighing around 12 g. The male and female have distinct differences in appearance. The male is steely indigo blue with some violet-blue on the forehead and darker lores.. The female is less vibrant, with dark brown on the upperparts and dark grey below.
Habitat and Distribution
The Nilgiri flycatcher is found in high-altitude shola forests, typically at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters above sea level. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, where it is found in small numbers in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Behavior
The Nilgiri flycatcher is a solitary bird, often seen perched on branches and twigs in the understory of shola forests. It feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, which it captures by flycatching. Its vocalization is a soft, melodious song that is often heard in the forest understory.
Conservation Status
The Nilgiri flycatcher is considered to be a species of Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, like many other species that inhabit high-altitude shola forests, the Nilgiri flycatcher faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, and tourism.