Ashy-throated Parrotbill
Suthora alphonsiana
A small long-tailed bird with vaguely unnerving pale eyes. Dark gray-brown overall with a bright rusty-orange crown and wings. Similar to Vinous-throated and Brown-winged parrotbills but much grayer and darker overall; has the most limited warm tones of the three. Fairly common in lowlands and foothills, where it can be found in broadleaved forests, bamboo stands, and adjoining secondary growth and scrubby edges.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Suthora alphonsiana
- Authority
- Verreaux, J, 1871
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paradoxornithidae
- Genus
- Suthora
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Contrary to their western Eurasian relatives (the typical warblers), these East Asian birds are small omnivores adapted to living in reed beds. In its native range, the ashy-throated parrotbill inhabits bamboo stands and areas with tall grasses. The parrotbills in Brabbia Swamp Nature Reserve inhabit common reed (Phragmites australis) beds and drier land overgrown with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), grey willow (Salix cinerea) and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea).<p>It feeds on arthropods, seeds and buds; in winter, the Italian birds seem to sustain themselves on insects that hibernate in reed stalks. As in its relatives in (sub)genus Sinoparadoxornis, its eggs are small by parrotbill standards, whitish- to light-blue and unspotted.<p>This bird will disappear if wetlands are drained, but its range is considerable and much of its habitat is remote and little accessed. It is thus considered a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Crested Francolin
Ortygornis sephaena
A medium-sized buff-brown francolin with an occasionally-raised bushy crest. There is a broad “string-of-pearls” collar around the white throat. It frequents savanna and riverine forest. Heralds the dawn and dusk with a repeated, rapid, cheery “cheer kirk-kik” call usually given as a synchronized duet between a pair. Walks confidently with a cocked tail, giving it a chicken’s gait.
Shining Flycatcher
Myiagra alecto
A long-tailed, slender songbird with fine bill. Male entirely glossy blue-black. Female a rich chestnut above, white below, with black crown and face (in poor light, may appear dark above; compare Restless and Paperbark flycatchers). Inhabits mangroves and wetlands, actively pursuing insects on the ground and in low vegetation. Song a clear whistled “towhit-too-towhit.”
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilus
Looks very much like a chiffchaff, and best identified by voice: song is pleasant, slightly descending warble, very different from song of chiffchaff. Compared to chiffchaff, Willow Warbler is often brighter, more yellowish (especially in autumn) with stronger pale eyebrow, pinkish legs, and tends not to habitually dip its tail. However, many birds seen are best left unidentified. Found in wooded habitats, from mixed forest to willow thickets in open country.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.