The long-tailed broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) is a species of bird that is found in the Himalayas, extending east through Northeastern India to Southeast Asia. It is the only bird in the genus Psarisomus.[2] The long-tailed broadbill is about 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighs between 50 and 60 grams. It can be identified by its shrill call.
The long-tailed broadbill displays a yellow plumage on the throat. Blueish-green plumage on the belly, back, and wings. The long-tailed broadbill is a forest bird that lives on insects. It is very sociable and normally travels in large, noisy parties except during the mating season. It builds a pear-shaped nest in a tree. The female usually lays between 5 and 6 eggs that are incubated by both sexes; both sexes also help to feed the young.
The generic name Psarisomus comes from the name Psaris, a synonym of Tityra and the Greek word σῶμα sōma "body".[3]
The long-tailed broadbill is a songbird (Passeriformes) that belongs in the family Eurylaimidae, a group of birds that have broad heads and have flat, broad beak. It is the only bird that belongs to the genus Psarisomus. The scientific name commemorates Christina Broun, Countess of Dalhousie (1786–1839), wife of George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie.
Adult long-tailed broadbills have a bright yellow throat and face, where the yellow patch ranges on each side of the occiput.[5] The yellow feathers continue down to a form a thin band around the neck. There is a thin layer of pale-yellow/whitish feathers that envelops the yellow patch below their throat. Some even have a hint of pale yellow-green on their chin.[6] They have a helmet-like black cap with a sleek blue patch on the crown and a smaller blue patch at the back of their neck.[6] The feathers along the back, belly and top of the wings are bright green produced by a combination of pigmentary and structural color.[7] The underparts of the wings are a lighter green or blueish green. The primary feathers are black, with a metallic blue margin at the base of the external web and a white spot on the base of the inner web.[6]
Long-tailed broadbill have a long blue tail, but the under-tail is black.[8][6] They have strong, broad bill that is yellowish green in color with lighter edges. They have a pea-green toes and brown legs.[6] Juvenile long-tailed broadbills have a shorter tail, green head with duller plumage.[8] A full-grown adult stand about 10 inches in length (25 cm) and weighs anywhere between 50 and 60 grams.[9]