by Kieu Trinh
Niltava sumatrana, also known as the Rufous-bellied Niltava, is a small passerine bird found in the forests of Southeast Asia, including Sumatra, Borneo, and the Malay Peninsula.
The male Rufous-bellied Niltava has a distinctive blue head, back, and tail, with a rufous-orange breast and belly. The female, on the other hand, has a brownish-grey head and back and a duller version of the male’s rufous-orange breast and belly.
The Rufous-bellied Niltava is known for its beautiful song, which is a series of clear and melodious whistles. It is often found in the undergrowth and lower canopy of the forest, where it feeds on insects and spiders.
As a resident bird, the Rufous-bellied Niltava does not migrate and can be found in its range throughout the year. However, its habitat is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss, leading to a decline in its population. Its conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
