Slaty-backed Forktail

Identification

The Slaty-backed Forktail is a slim, medium-sized bird measuring 22–25 cm long and weighing 26–38 grams. Its most distinctive feature is the slate-grey forehead, crown, and mantle that gives it its name. The bird displays striking black and white plumage: a black throat and ear coverts contrasted by a narrow white facial stripe extending behind the eyes, a white rump, and a large white patch at the base of the primary feathers. The tail is long, deeply forked, and banded in black and white with a white tip. The bill is black and the feet pale pinkish or greyish. Males and females are identical in appearance.

Juveniles are noticeably different, lacking the white forehead and appearing brown above with dark scales on the breast. They also have shorter tails than adults and greyish or yellowish lores. The species is very similar to the Black-backed Forktail but can be distinguished by its slate-grey mantle and slightly larger bill.