Cute Cutia

Cutia, Cutia nipalensis, a beautiful bird, that inhabits the broadleaved forest in the mid-hills of Nepal Himalaya is scarce and local resident. This stunning species is only one of its kind in Nepal, that its gracious presence makes the place special for bird lovers.

 

Among those few places where Cutia sighted regularly is Upardang Gadi which is already renowned for presence of Spiny Babbler, the only endemic bird of Nepal. Phulchoki in the Kathmandu Valley is other hotspot for Cutia and Spiny Babbler.

As Cutia prefers dense and mossy forest, the bird is found often with barwings, nuthatch, fulvettas and shrike babblers feeding together in flock. They cling to boles of tree for sap and feed well out on branches among ferns, moss and lichens. As they are very local resident, it is known that their altitudinal movement is not much broad. Cutias are generally seen in pairs and small parties but having recorded some 20 birds in Upardang Gadi suggests the viable population up there.

Cutia is unmistakable bird for its grey crown and dark mask, blue-grey panel in wings, and black barring on flanks are all very conspicuous. Sexes are almost similar except streaked mantle on female. Cutia is simply gorgeous with all that beautiful colors. Colorful pattern is brilliantly displayed in the flight.

Cutia is always receptive to call. They immediately respond to mimicking of their sound that's way it is easy to find them. Cutia has wonderful song of loud, repeated two-note whistle.

Birds are regarded as good biological indicator as they suggest which environment human should live on. So we have to make the environment conducive to living for them for our own existence. Birds are beautiful creature on the earth and Cutia is the best. Seeing them happy in their natural environment is always a joy.