Least Concern

A medium-sized, brightly colored bird, about 17–20 cm long. It has a buff-colored crown stripe, green upperparts, blue wings, rufous vent, and pinkish legs. Known for its short tail and upright stance.

A seasonal migrant within the Indian subcontinent. Breeds mainly in northern and central India.

Migrates southward to southern India and Sri Lanka during winter (roughly October to March).

Typically from May to August, coinciding with the monsoon. Builds a globular nest of twigs and leaves close to the ground or in low trees. Lays 4–5 white eggs.

Prefers moist deciduous and scrub forests, often near water or dense undergrowth. Requires shaded, humid areas for nesting.

Found in forest floors, bamboo thickets, wooded gardens, and dense scrub. More often heard than seen due to its secretive nature; call is a loud “wheeet-tew” or “two-note whistle”.

Feeds on insects, earthworms, termites, snails, and small invertebrates, which it gleans from the forest floor by hopping and probing the leaf litter.