Image via Macaulay Library
Lesser Shortwing
- Scientific name
- Brachypteryx leucophris
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest mixed
- Wing shape
- Short
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The Lesser Shortwing, or Brachypteryx leucophris, is a species of passerine bird native to the forests of Southeast Asia and parts of the Himalayas. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Muscicapidae family, a group of birds known for their diverse, often melodious songs. It was first formally described by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck in 1828, emerging from the era of European exploration that sought to catalogue the vast avian biodiversity of the East Indies.
The bird is characterized by its distinctively shy behavior and cryptic plumage, which serves as an evolutionary adaptation to the dense undergrowth of its montane and forest habitats. Its design—a short wing structure paired with a rounded tail—facilitates quick, agile movement through low-level vegetation rather than long-distance migration. While it is not a focal point of human design or industry, the species remains a subject of ongoing ornithological study regarding its specific subspecies differentiation across island chains and mainland ranges.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Lesser Shortwing
Lesser Shortwing is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Lesser Shortwing on collecto.rs?
Lesser Shortwing doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Lesser Shortwing?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Lesser Shortwing catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Lesser Shortwing is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
