Long Tailed Minivet (Phường Chèo Đỏ)
Conservation status: LC
🧡 The Fiery Flash of Mang Den: The Long-tailed Minivet
Among the vibrant tapestry of birds gracing the forests of Mang Den in Vietnam, few are as striking and energetic as the Long-tailed Minivet (Pericrocotus ethologus). Known for their brilliant orange and black plumage, these social birds add a dynamic burst of color to the highland canopy.
While often confused with other minivet species, the Long-tailed Minivet stands out with its particularly elongated tail and the unique pattern of its wing bars.
✨ Spotting the Minivet Magic:
The Male: A true showstopper! Look for a glossy black head, back, and wings, sharply contrasted with a vibrant, fiery orange underparts, rump, and prominent orange wing patches. Their long, graduated tail feathers are tipped with orange.
The Female: Equally beautiful but with a different palette. She sports a grey head and back, with bright yellow replacing the male's orange. Her wings also feature distinct yellow patches.
Behavior: They are highly active and often found in small flocks, flitting through the middle and upper canopy, foraging for insects. Their calls are a pleasant, whistling "swee-swee-swee."
📍 Where to Find Them in Mang Den
Mang Den's rich, evergreen and broadleaf forests are ideal habitats for the Long-tailed Minivet. Keep an eye out in:
Mang Canh Forest Trails: As you explore the deeper forest areas, listen for their calls and watch for movement in the trees.
Around Kon Plông: The extensive forest cover in the greater Kon Plông district, where Mang Den is located, offers numerous opportunities.
Near Water Sources: Like many insectivorous birds, they can often be seen foraging near streams and forest clearings.
📸 Pro-Tips for Birdwatchers
Binoculars are Key: These birds are often high in the canopy, so good binoculars will greatly enhance your viewing experience.
Look Up! Most of their activity happens in the middle to upper layers of the forest.
Listen First: Their distinct calls can often lead you to their location before you see them.
Be Patient: While active, they can be quick. Find a comfortable spot and wait for a flock to pass through.
