Grey-chinned Minivet

The Grey-chinned Minivet, a member of the Campephagidae family, is a small, vibrant bird with a length of 17–19 cm and a weight of 11–17 g. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with a dark grey head and mantle, contrasted by a pale grey chin and an orange-yellow throat. Its wings are blackish, while the underparts, lower back, and tips of the greater coverts gleam with an orange hue. The female, on the other hand, displays bright yellow in place of the male's orange. Both sexes have black eyes, beak, and legs, while the immature bird resembles the female but with yellow-olive bars on its back.

Identification Tips

To identify the Grey-chinned Minivet, look for the male's distinctive dark grey head and pale chin, along with the orange-yellow throat and underparts. The female and immature birds can be recognized by their bright yellow coloring in similar areas. The blackish wings and black eyes, beak, and legs are consistent across both sexes.

Habitat

This species thrives in the canopy of broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, elfin forests, secondary forests, forest edges, and even gardens with trees. It is typically found at elevations of 1,000–2,000 m but has been recorded as low as 150 m in Taiwan.

Distribution

The Grey-chinned Minivet's range extends from the eastern Himalayas through northeastern India, southern China, and mainland Southeast Asia to Sumatra and Borneo.

Behaviour

Outside of the breeding season, these minivets form small parties of fewer than 15 individuals or larger flocks consisting of dozens. They may also join mixed-species foraging flocks. Their foraging behavior includes searching for invertebrates in the canopy, occasionally descending to tree ferns, or sallying into the air.

Song & Calls

While feeding, the Grey-chinned Minivet emits a twittering call. Its repertoire of contact calls includes a high-pitched "sri-sisi" and a "chirit-chirit."

Breeding

Breeding has been observed from February to April, with indications it may begin as early as January. Courtship behavior includes the male presenting a flower to the female, followed by mating. Both sexes contribute to nest construction, which is a steep cup made of bryophytes and camouflaged with lichens. The eggs have not been described, but both parents, along with subadults, participate in raising the brood. Moulting occurs from June to October.

Similar Species

While the guide does not provide information on similar species, birdwatchers should be aware of other minivet species that may share overlapping habitats and exhibit similar plumage patterns.

Diet and Feeding

The Grey-chinned Minivet's diet consists primarily of invertebrates, which it forages for in the forest canopy.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the Grey-chinned Minivet as a species of Least Concern, thanks to its large range and stable population.