Taiwan Vivid Niltava

Overview

The Taiwan vivid niltava (Niltava vivida), also known as the small vivid niltava, is a medium-sized bird in the family Muscicapidae that is endemic to Taiwan. It was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1864, and the larger Chinese vivid niltava of the Asian mainland was formerly considered the same species.

Identification

• The male is 16 cm long, featuring deep purplish blue plumage on the head, back, tail, and lesser wing coverts, contrasting with bright rufous orange underparts.
• The male has a completely black face, throat, wings, legs, and bill, along with black irises.
• The female appears olive brown overall, with a lighter underside, a light buffy throat, and a greyish-brown crown and nape.
• Distinct rictal bristles are present at the base of the bill.

Habitat

This species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests exclusively within Taiwan.

Did you know?

The Chinese vivid niltava (N. oatesi), found on the Asian mainland, was previously classified as the same species as the Taiwan vivid niltava but has since been separated due to its larger size.