Asian Fairy-bluebird

Irena puella

Family: Fairy-bluebirds · Status: Uncommon resident · Size: 24.5–26.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs in the western Indian subcontinent, Indochina, through the Thai-Malay Peninsula to the Greater Sundas.

Identification

Male has iridiscent deep blue upperparts and vent, with black face, wings, and underparts. Female is uniformly dull turquoise-blue overall. Both sexes have bright red irises.

Habitat

Canopy and edges of lowland evergreen and peat-swamp forest; also well-grown secondary forest.

Behaviour

Feeds on forest fruits including figs, often alongside green-pigeons and bulbuls; also joins mixed-species insectivore parties in the canopy.