Blyth's Paradise-Flycatcher

Blyth's paradise flycatcher is a typical paradise flycatcher, with a striking plumage. It is characterized by a dimorphic male, exhibiting both rufous and white plumage variations. Both morphs share a dark head, a small, triangular crest, and a blue eye-ring. The breeding male is distinguished by elongated central tail streamers, nearly twice the length of its body. Females bear resemblance to non-breeding rufous males, but usually show a less vibrant blue eye-ring and a slightly paler head. White morphs display dark wing and central tail feather shaft streaks. Identification can be challenging due to similarities with the Amur paradise flycatcher, Indian paradise flycatcher, and female black paradise flycatcher where their ranges overlap. Distinguishing features include the short, rounded crest of Blyth's paradise flycatcher (contrasting with the longer, pointed crest of the Indian paradise flycatcher), a pale rufous undertail in rufous morphs (versus the white undertail of the Amur paradise flycatcher and black undertail of the black paradise flycatcher), and a gradual transition to grey on the underparts of rufous morphs, lacking the sharp contrast observed in other species. The song is a ringing series of "wiwiwiwiwiwiwi" notes, while the call is a nasal "ji-jeh" or "ji-jeh-jeh".