The lesser shortwing

A lesser shortwing is seen perched on a low branch in Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.  Photos by Isaac Cohen

The lesser shortwing

The lesser shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophris) is a small passerine bird species in Southeast Asia.

白喉短翅鸫是一种原产于亚洲东南部的雀形目鸟类。

Its compact body measures around 13 centimeters long, with the males possessing a stunning color combination of a blue-gray head, wings and tail, complemented by a vibrant orange chest and belly. In contrast, females are more subdued, sporting a predominantly brown plumage. Both genders feature a distinctive white patch on their forehead, adding to their unique charm.

白喉短翅鸫的体型较小，身长仅13厘米。雄性头部、双翼及尾部蓝灰色，胸腹橙红色。雌性体色黯淡，大致呈棕色，头部的白色眉纹是它们重要的辨识依据之一。

A lesser shortwing is seen at Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.

A partially migratory species, these birds reside all year round in the montane forests of Southeast Asia. However, during the breeding season, a portion of the population undertakes altitudinal migrations, moving to higher elevations to establish territories and breed, where more suitable habitats are available.

白喉短翅鸫不做长距离跨地区迁徙，只在特定季节做垂直性迁徙：它们通常栖息在海拔较低的山地阔叶林地区，繁殖季来临时，部分种群则会迁徙至海拔更高的林区寻址筑巢，生儿育女。

A lesser shortwing is seen at Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.

Breeding typically occurs between April and July during the rainy season. Males establish territories within their chosen breeding habitats, building a cup-shaped nest hidden in the undergrowth, where the female lays and incubates up to three eggs. Both parents participate in the feeding and care of the hatchlings until they fledge.

一般在4到7月、雨水充沛之时繁殖。雄性负责选址筑巢，巢隐蔽，置于林下灌丛，形似杯。雌性每窝产卵可达3枚。卵的孵化及雏鸟的喂养则由双亲共同承担，直到雏鸟羽翼渐丰，能够离巢独立生活。

A lesser shortwing is seen at Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.

This shy and elusive bird often stays concealed amidst the dense forest undergrowth and is hard to spot in the wild. Primarily terrestrial, it prefers to hop and run along the forest floor, occasionally perching on low branches.

白喉短翅鸫性羞怯，擅隐蔽，野外难得一见，但具有一定的领地意识，常在同一地点及附近逗留，习惯在地面活动，有时也在低矮的枝桠上停留。

They sustain themselves on a varied diet of insects, spiders, worms and other small invertebrates. They forage primarily on the forest floor, using their sharp beak to probe the leaf litter and soil in search of prey.

白喉短翅鸫主要以昆虫、蜘蛛、蠕虫等小型无脊椎动物为食，在地面活动时，常用喙翻找落叶腐殖层，寻找猎物。

A lesser shortwing is seen at Wutong Mountain, Luohu District.

As an insectivorous bird, the lesser shortwing helps control insect populations, contributing to ecological balance. Furthermore, by dispersing seeds through their droppings, they help boost plant diversity. Their populations also serve as an indicator of the overall health of montane ecosystems.

白喉短翅鸫是典型的食虫鸟，能够有效地控制昆虫的数量，实现生态平衡。它们的排泄物中含有未消化的植物种子，促进了植物种群的扩张。此外，它们也是重要的环境指示物种，是判断山地生境是否健康的重要依据。