What makes the Nilgiri flycatcher unique?

       

 

       The Nilgiri flycatcher is unique in the sense that it is native and restricted to the shola forests of the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris. It is a medium-sized bird, with a dark blue plumage. The male bird will be slightly greenish in colour. This bird is around 15 cm in length and has a long tail with white spots on it. They produce a peculiar chipping note call, at the same time flick their tail up and down. 

 

 

               These birds are found in ever-green forests, the edges of forests near flowing water bodies or well-grown plantations. They hunt in pairs for insects, from the upper leaf covers of trees, by attacking them in the air.

               They build nests in tree holes or under bridges. The nests are cup-shaped and covered by mosses and lichens. A female lays two to three eggs.

               The number of these birds is coming down on a global scale. Therefore, the IUCN has placed them in the ‘Near Threatened’ category of the Red list.