Colorful flycatcher sighted in Xiamen

A Japanese paradise flycatcher was spotted recently in the woods of Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo by Chen Bo/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A Japanese paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata), was spotted recently in the woods of Xiamen, Fujian province, attracting a lot of bird enthusiasts who sought pictures.

The bird is listed as a near-threatened species on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature

It has various shades of purple throughout its body. It has black and purple on its head, reddish violet on its back and bluish violet on its tail. Males have exceptionally long tails, while females are generally duller in appearance and have shorter tails.

The species was seen earlier in other forests and parks of the city, said Chen Hao, deputy head of a bird-watching association in Xiamen. Chen added that this time the single flycatcher was on it migratory route and is expected to continue its journey in a few days.

A Japanese paradise flycatcher was spotted recently in the woods of Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo by Chen Bo/For chinadaily.com.cn]