Fulvous Parrotbill

The Fulvous Parrotbill, known scientifically as Suthora fulvifrons, presents itself as a small bird, measuring a modest 12 to 12.5 centimeters in length. Its plumage is a tapestry of nature's own hues, with a rich buff coloring adorning the head, upper wing coverts, flanks, rump, and tail. A stark contrast is provided by the white belly, while the face is marked by a distinctive black stripe above the eye, which broadens at the center before tapering off, and a subtle white stripe below the face.

Identification Tips

Observers should note the uniform appearance of both sexes, with juveniles bearing a resemblance to adults but displaying a generally darker plumage, particularly on the underside. Subspecies variations include P. f. chayulensis with a paler belly, P. f. albifacies with a darker eyestripe, and P. f. cyanophrys, which boasts a blue-grey eyestripe and a more vivid overall plumage.

Habitat

This species is a bamboo specialist, favoring the dense stands of bamboo found within or adjacent to forested areas. It thrives in montane environments, typically above 2,700 meters, but can occasionally be found as low as 1,700 meters.

Distribution

The Fulvous Parrotbill graces the montane regions of central Nepal, Bhutan, and northeast India, with its range extending to north India, south China, north Burma, and central China across its four subspecies.

Behaviour

The Fulvous Parrotbill is a sociable creature, often seen in flocks of up to 20 or 30 individuals when not in the breeding season. It feeds on bamboo buds, birch, tiny seeds, and insects, ingesting grit to aid digestion as a gizzard stone.

Breeding

The species constructs bowl-shaped nests from bamboo leaves, rootlets, and mosses, with both parents contributing to the effort. These nests are strategically placed within bamboo stands, at heights ranging from 0.7 to 1.9 meters. Clutches typically consist of around 3.3 pale blue eggs, which are incubated and cared for by both parents. However, nesting success is notably low, potentially due to human disturbance.

Conservation status

The Fulvous Parrotbill is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.