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Little Forktail

The Little Forktail is a small black and white bird seen mostly in montane rivers and streams. Its head, back, and wings are black, while the most obvious characteristic is the high and white forehead. It mainly feeds on insect larvae and other small insects. It prefers fast-flowing streams and is often seen near waterfalls.


When I started birding, I always wanted to see the Little Forktail and I pestered my father to bring me to places where it had been reported before. After getting skunked time and time again, the agonizing wait continued. Finally, last year when the whole family went for our yearly New Year’s trip to Ali Village, I finally saw it. One morning, when my dad and I were returning from our usual morning birding stroll, as I was looking far off into space, my dad’s excited shout pulled me back to reality. There on a little waterfall were two cute black and white birds jumping around. I knew immediately what they were, Little Forktails.


I had finally seen them where I least expected to, after years of eager searching. After that, I saw them two more times in the same month, like they had been a part of my usual birding checklists all along. It is usually like this in my birding adventures; after waiting for a long time, I finally see my dream bird, and suddenly it’s like it’s everywhere.


What I love about the Little Forktail is that it is super cute and full of energy, but really, I love all river birds, maybe because I see them in places of undeveloped places of spectacular beauty. 

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