Asian Fairy-bluebird

Overview

The Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella) is a medium-sized, arboreal passerine bird native to forests across tropical southern Asia, Indochina, and the Greater Sundas. It was first described by British ornithologist John Latham in 1790 and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size: Measures 24 to 27 cm (9.4 to 10.6 in) in length.
• Male plumage: Shining ultramarine-blue upperparts with lilac reflections; deep black lowerparts and flight feathers.
• Female plumage: Dull blue-green upperparts with brownish-blue tinges on lesser wing coverts and lower tail coverts; blue lowerparts.
• Features: Crimson iris, pinkish eyelids, and entirely black bill, legs, and claws.
• Vocalisation: Produces a liquid two-note call described as 'glue-it'.

Habitat

Found in Sri Lanka, the western coast of India, the Himalayas, and across Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It inhabits various types of humid and deciduous forests, ranging from lowlands up to 1,600 m, and prefers mature rainforests or rustic cardamom plantations under native shade trees.

Diet

Feeds principally on fruit, with supplementary consumption of nectar and some insects. It generally forages on larger forest trees, often moving in small parties or pairs.

Did you know?

The species is considered sacred to the Tagalog people, who perceive it as a tigmamanukan omen.