Graceful Prinia

The Graceful prinia, Prinia gracilis, is a diminutive warbler, sometimes referred to in historical texts as the graceful warbler. This bird is adorned with short, rounded wings and a long, tapering tail, each feather delicately tipped with black and white. During the breeding season, adults exhibit a grey-brown plumage with pronounced dark streaking above, while their underparts remain whitish with buff flanks, complemented by a short, black bill. In the non-breeding season, they transition to a brighter sandy brown with less distinct streaking, more pronounced buff on the sides, and a paler bill. Both sexes share a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

When observing the Graceful prinia, look for its long tail, often held cocked, and its weak flight pattern. The bird measures about 10-11 cm in length. In breeding plumage, note the grey-brown upperparts with dark streaking and the whitish underparts with buff flanks. In winter, the plumage shifts to a brighter sandy brown with weaker streaking.

Habitat

The Graceful prinia is typically found in a variety of habitats that offer thick undergrowth, including shrublands and tall grasses, often near tamarisks or similar dense vegetation.

Distribution

This species is a resident breeder in northeastern Africa, particularly along the Nile valley, and extends its range across southern Asia to Egypt, Somalia, and east to Saudi Arabia.

Behaviour

The Graceful prinia is an active bird, often seen with its tail cocked, flitting about in undergrowth. It constructs its nest within a bush or grass, where it lays 3 to 5 eggs.

Song & Calls

The call of the Graceful prinia is a rolling trilled "breeep," while its song is a hard, rolling repetition of "zerlip."

Breeding

The nest of the Graceful prinia is built within a bush or grass, and the bird typically lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs.

Similar Species

The Graceful prinia may be confused with the Delicate prinia, but recent studies suggest these should be considered separate species.

Diet and Feeding

As an insectivorous bird, the Graceful prinia primarily feeds on insects.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Graceful prinia as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.