Slaty-backed Forktail

Enicurus schistaceus (Hodgson, 1836)

Muscicapidae — Chats, Old World Flycatchers

Slaty-backed Forktail, Enicurus schistaceus, is a forktail in the family Muscicapidae and breeds across the Himalayas and through south-east Asia. It is a slim, medium-sized bird with a slate grey forehead, crown and mantle, which set it apart from similar species. The tail is long and deeply forked, with black and white banding, and it also shows a white rump and a white bar on the primary feathers. The sexes are alike. It lives beside fast-flowing streams and rivers, where it takes small invertebrates by moving over rocks or flying above the water.

Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae — Chats, Old World Flycatchers
Breeding range
Oriental Region: Himalayas through se Asia
Slaty-backed Forktail
© Mildeep · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

11 tours in Thailand 9, India 2

Northern India Birding Tour: Tigers, Birds and the Himalayas
Northern India Birding Tour: Tigers, Birds and the Himalayas
India / New Delhi Group tour 17 days

A 17-day northern India expedition combining wetland and Himalayan birding with Ranthambhore and Corbett wildlife safaris, the Chambal River...

From USD 9,565 Next: Jan 21, 2027
15-Day North India Birding and Wildlife Circuit
15-Day North India Birding and Wildlife Circuit
India / Delhi Private tour 15 days

A 15-day guided North India circuit linking wetlands, the Chambal River, Corbett forests and Himalayan foothills for birds, mammals and vari...

Ultimate Thailand Bird Watching 35 Days Trip
Ultimate Thailand Bird Watching 35 Days Trip
Thailand Group tour 35 days

Ultimate Thailand Bird Watching – 35 Days / 34 Nights is an extensive and immersive birding journey across the full range of Thailand’s ...

Classic Thailand Bird Watching 25 Days Trip
Classic Thailand Bird Watching 25 Days Trip
Thailand Group tour 25 days

Classic Thailand Bird Watching – 25 Days / 24 Nights is an extensive, immersive birding journey through Thailand’s most diverse habitats...

Khao Luang (Krung Ching) Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Khao Luang (Krung Ching) Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Thailand / Khao Luang Group tour 3 days

Khao Luang (Krung Ching) Bird Watching – 3 Days / 2 Nights is an immersive birdwatching adventure in Khao Luang National Park in southern ...

Khao Yai National Park Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Khao Yai National Park Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Thailand / Khao Yai Group tour 3 days

Khao Yai Bird Watching – 3 Days / 2 Nights is an in-depth birding adventure through Thailand’s iconic Khao Yai National Park. Over three...

Northern Thailand Bird Watching 7 Days Trip
Northern Thailand Bird Watching 7 Days Trip
Thailand / Northern Thailand Group tour 7 days

North Thailand Bird Watching – 7 Days / 6 Nights is an immersive birding tour across northern Thailand’s diverse habitats, including for...

Doi Inthanon Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Doi Inthanon Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Thailand / Doi Inthanon Group tour 3 days

Doi Inthanon Bird Watching – 3 Days / 2 Nights is an immersive birding adventure in Thailand’s highest mountain region, exploring divers...

Doi Angkhang Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Doi Angkhang Bird Watching 3 Days Trip
Thailand / Doi Angkhang Group tour 3 days

Doi Angkhang Bird Watching – 3 Days / 2 Nights Experience the rich montane forests of northern Thailand on this immersive three-day bir...

Khao Yai Bird Watching Day Trip
Khao Yai Bird Watching Day Trip
Thailand / Khao Yai Group tour 1 day

Khao Yai Bird Watching Day Trip is a full‑day guided birding adventure in Thailand’s lush Khao Yai National Park, home to diverse forest...

Doi Inthanon Bird Watching Day Trip
Doi Inthanon Bird Watching Day Trip
Thailand / Doi Inthanon Group tour 1 day

Doi Inthanon Bird Watching Day Trip is a full‑day guided birding experience in Thailand’s highest mountain region, known for its rich di...