Common Tailorbird

The common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius, is a diminutive yet vibrant songbird, cloaked in bright green upperparts contrasted with creamy underparts. With a size ranging from 10 to 14 centimeters and a weight between 6 to 10 grams, it is a small bird with a wren-like appearance, characterized by short rounded wings, a long and often upright tail, and a sharp, curved bill. The crown is a distinctive rust color, and both sexes are similar, though males may sport elongated central tail feathers during the breeding season.

Identification Tips

To identify the common tailorbird, look for its rust-colored forehead and crown, and listen for its loud and distinctive cheeup-cheeup-cheeup call. The bird's long tail is typically held upright and can be quite animated. During vocalization, dark patches on the sides of the neck, caused by pigmented and bare skin, become visible. Juveniles are duller in color compared to adults.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including open farmland, scrub, forest edges, and urban gardens. It is adept at navigating the dense undergrowth where it often remains concealed.

Distribution

The common tailorbird is widely distributed across tropical Asia, with several recognized subspecies inhabiting South Asia and Southeast Asia. These range from the lowlands and highlands of Sri Lanka, across the Indian peninsula, to the Terai of Nepal, the hills of Northeast India, and further east to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, and Java.

Behaviour

Tailorbirds are typically observed alone or in pairs, foraging low in vegetation or occasionally hopping on the ground. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, bugs, and insects attracted to flowers. During the breeding season, pairs may roost side by side, and outside of this period, they roost alone.

Song & Calls

The common tailorbird's song is a loud and repetitive cheeup-cheeup-cheeup, with variations across its range. Its calls are a key identifier, often revealing the bird's presence within its preferred dense habitats.

Breeding

The breeding season aligns with the wet season, peaking from June to August in India. The tailorbird's nest is an architectural marvel, constructed from leaves sewn together with plant fiber or spider silk to form a cradle. The actual nest is a deep cup lined with soft materials, cleverly camouflaged by the outward-facing upper surfaces of leaves. The clutch typically consists of three eggs, with both parents involved in feeding and caring for the young.

Similar Species

The common tailorbird could be confused with Prinia warblers, which share the nest construction habit. However, the tailorbird's distinctive call, rust-colored crown, and long upright tail set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the staple of the common tailorbird's diet. It is particularly drawn to beetles and bugs and is known to frequent the inflorescences of mango trees. It also consumes nectar from flowers such as Bombax and Salmalia.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the common tailorbird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.