Red-billed Leiothrix

The Red-billed Leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea, is a small, vibrant bird adorned with a conspicuous red bill and a subtle yellow eye-ring. Its plumage is primarily an olive green, while the throat radiates with a bright yellow-orange hue, transitioning to a yellow chin. The males exhibit a more vivid coloration compared to the females, and the juveniles are distinguished by their black bills.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-billed Leiothrix, look for the bright red bill and the yellow-orange throat. The bird's back is olive green, and the eye-ring is a dull yellow. The wing feathers are edged with a striking combination of yellow, orange, red, and black, and the tail is olive brown with a blackish tip. The cheeks and neck sides are a bluish grey. Females are paler and lack the red wing patch seen in males.

Habitat

This species thrives in hill forests, showing a preference for pine forests with underbrush. It is adaptable and can be found from sea level to elevations of approximately 7,500 feet.

Distribution

Native to southern China and the Himalayas, the Red-billed Leiothrix has been introduced to various regions worldwide. It has established populations in Japan, the Hawaiian Islands, and parts of Europe, including France and Spain. Sightings in southern England suggest potential colonization there as well.

Behaviour

The Red-billed Leiothrix is a secretive bird, known for its agility and melodious singing. It is not a frequent flyer, except in more open habitats, and tends to be very active.

Song & Calls

The bird's song is a series of short, powerful notes that are repeated with greater intensity during the breeding season. The male's song is particularly complex, featuring a wide range of syllables to attract a mate.

Breeding

During the breeding season, which spans from early April to September, these birds form pairs and become territorial. They construct open cup nests composed of dry leaves, moss, and lichen, often within ten feet of the ground in dense vegetation. The eggs are pale blue with reddish-brown spots, typically found in clutches of two to four.

Diet and Feeding

The Red-billed Leiothrix's diet consists of animal matter, including fruits like strawberries, papaya, and guavas, as well as various insects. It forages in the lower strata of vegetation, gleaning food from foliage and dead wood.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Red-billed Leiothrix as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.