Grey-breasted Prinia

The Grey-breasted Prinia, also known as Franklin's Prinia (Prinia hodgsonii), is a small, active bird of the Old World warbler family, Cisticolidae. It is characterized by its long, grey tail with white tips, strong pinkish legs, and a short black bill. The eye ring is a vivid orange, adding a splash of color to its otherwise muted plumage.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species can be identified by their smoky grey breast band, which stands in stark contrast to the white throat during the breeding season. The upperparts are grey in breeding plumage, shifting to a paler olive brown when not breeding. The wings bear a rufous tinge, and the tail is graduated with white tips. The Sri Lankan race, P. h. pectoralis, is distinctive, retaining its greyer plumage throughout the year.

Habitat

The Grey-breasted Prinia is typically found in a variety of well-vegetated habitats, including open woodland, scrub jungle, and amidst cultivation. It also frequents bamboo jungles, mangrove swamps, and reed beds, adapting well to its environment.

Distribution

This bird is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Its range extends from the Himalayan foothills to Southern India and eastward to Pakistan, Burma, Vietnam, and China's Yunnan province. It occupies altitudes from the plains up to 1800 meters in the Himalayan foothills.

Behaviour

Insectivorous by nature, the Grey-breasted Prinia feeds on ants, beetles, caterpillars, and occasionally nectar. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming larger parties. Its tail jerking behavior is a distinctive trait as it moves through foliage.

Song & Calls

The male's breeding song is a high-pitched and squeaky series of notes, often described as "chiwee-chiwee-chiwi-chip-chip-chip." Outside of breeding, a conversational "zee zee zee" can be heard as they forage.

Breeding

The breeding season coincides with the onset of rains. Males sing and perform aerial displays to attract mates. Their nests are grass cups, secured with cobwebs between leaves, and typically placed close to the ground. Clutches usually consist of three to four variably colored eggs, which both parents incubate.

Similar Species

The Grey-breasted Prinia can be confused with the Rufescent Prinia, but the former can be distinguished by its grey breast band and the white tips on its tail feathers.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects found among twigs and foliage. During the summer, when feeding on nectar, pollen may dust their foreheads, temporarily altering their appearance.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Grey-breasted Prinia as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.