Qilian Bluetail

Qilian BluetailThe Qilian Bluetail (Tarsiger albocoeruleus) breeds in mountains of northern China, including Qinghai and Gansu. It is not separated from the Red-flanked Bluetail by an obvious plumage mark; research supports the split mainly through song and genetic evidence. Its wintering range remains unknown.What does it look like?The study found no clear diagnostic plumage mark. In a comparison of three males, the fore-supercilium tended to be bluer and less white than in the Red-flanked Bluetail.How does it live?The Qilian Bluetail (Tarsiger albocoeruleus) breeds in mountains of northern China, including Qinghai and Gansu. It is not separated from the Red-flanked Bluetail by an obvious plumage mark; research supports the split mainly through song and genetic evidence. Its wintering range remains unknown.A Macaulay Library record documents an adult singing at Dong Xia, Qinghai. The record’s habitat tags include conifer forest and montane grassland.Keeping it safeAn extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.