Indian Paradise Flycatcher is a native bird of Central Asia that is spread all over the continent. However, the bird is mainly found in Central and Southeast Asia. Scientific name of this bird is Terpsiphone paradisi . However, at local they are also known as Dudhraj, Saheb Bulbuli or Shah-Bulbul. Although they look a lot like bulbuls, they are not at all similar to bulbuls.
Male bird have long tail feathers. Their feathers are reddish brown in color and some birds are dark red in color. Some birds also have white feathers. The tail of the female bird is short and the color of the feathers is black and reddish brown. There are two stages in the life of the male bird. These are the brown episode and the white episode. Their brown life usually lasts for two to three years. In other words, the color of their feathers is brown at this time. And then the color of their feathers gradually turns white and at one point becomes completely white. It is very nice to see the birds in any situation. However, the feathers of the long tail of the male bird give it a heavenly look.
Adult flycatcher birds are about 19-22 cm (7.5 - 6.8 in) long. Their heads are shiny black. At the top of the head are bulbuls. The color of the beak is shiny black and it is quite hard. Younger male birds look like females, but their necks are black. Moreover, blue rings can be seen around the eyes. Adult males are up to 24 cm in length and their two tail feathers are up to 30 cm in length. Male birds usually have to spend about three years to acquire this long tail.
Indian paradise flycatcher birds live in dense forests. They migrate and spend the winter in tropical Asia. These are quite noisy birds. They call out sharply. As their legs are quite short, they can sit on the tree in a special way. They are insectivorous and can catch insects while flying. In the afternoon, they dive in the nearby small ponds or frozen water.
Their breeding season is usually from May to July. Both males and females take part in building nesting birds and nests. After the female lays her eggs, the male and female birds take turns laying the eggs. When the eggs hatch, both birds play an equal role in feeding and nurturing the young. They build their nests on the branches of the tree with dry grass, stalks and spider webs. They lay 3 to 4 eggs at home that look like beautiful little cups. Their homes are quite clean. Incubation period of these birds lasts about 14 to 16 days and nestling period lasts about 9 to 12 days. They often build nests around a pair of breeding drongos. Because this protects them from predators. After about 21 to 23 days the chicks hatch. Interestingly, different species of birds such as Babunai (Oriental white-eye) birds are often seen feeding their young.
Usually not all the eggs of the bird hatch. And all the chicks that hatch do not live long. Chick mortality rate is much higher. That is why their number is so low. However, when the white flycatcher flies in the sky, it looks strangely beautiful. It looks like a bird in heaven. According to the IUCN, the bird is still safe.