From Opus

Photo by svenky1962
Photo taken: Ooty, South India

Eumyias albicaudatus

[edit] Identification

A Flycatcher with a rather long tail and a short bill. The male is dark blue overall with a violet-blue forehead and dark lores. Females are much duller, dark brown on upperparts, wings and face and dark grey below. Small whitish basal panels on tail are diagnostic, but very hard to see. The similar Verditer Flycatcher is much brighter turquoise.

[edit] Distribution

Southern India. A Western Ghat endemic, found from southern Karnataka south in Kerala and western Tamil Nadu. Found for example around Ooty and Munnar, quite common at higher altitudes, reaching the highest summits, less common below 1000m.

[edit] Taxonomy

Monotypic.
Scientific name formerly spelled albicaudata.

[edit] Habitat

Evergreen sholas, thick vegetation near streams, forest edges, plantations and gardens.

[edit] Behaviour

Hunts like other Flycatchers by making short aerial forays from the canopy. Breeds from February to June, building a cup-like nest of moss in a hole in a tree, a wall, among hanging roots or under a bridge.
Resident.

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