The Annam prinia is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It and the Burmese prinia were formerly lumped with Deignan's prinia as the brown prinia.
Region
Annamite Range (south-central Vietnam)
Typical Environment
The Annam prinia occurs on the Da Lat Plateau and adjacent uplands, using a mosaic of montane grasslands, scrub, secondary growth, and edges of open pine or broadleaf forest. It frequents steep, brushy slopes, roadsides with tall grasses, and shrubby clearings. In some areas it ventures along the margins of agricultural plots where rank vegetation persists. Dense low cover is important for foraging and nesting, but it often sings from exposed stems or small shrubs.
Altitude Range
600–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small warbler of the family Cisticolidae, the Annam prinia is confined to the highlands of south-central Vietnam. It was recently split from the former brown prinia complex, with Burmese prinia and Deignan's prinia recognized as separate species. It favors brushy hillsides, tall grasslands, and forest edges, where it often cocks its long tail while foraging. Its subtle plumage is offset by a lively, buzzy song delivered from exposed perches.
Temperament
secretive yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, maintaining territories year-round. Nests are built low in tall grasses or shrubs, typically cup-shaped and well concealed. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and engage in duet-like calling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, buzzy series of trills and chips, repeated from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp ticks and thin, scolding notes given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine, slightly darker streaking on the mantle, buffy to grayish underparts with a pale throat, and a long, graduated tail often showing pale tips. Texture is sleek with close-fitting contour feathers suited to moving through grass and scrub.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from grass stems, seed heads, and low foliage, and occasionally makes short sallies to capture flushed insects. Foraging is methodical, with frequent tail flicking and short hops through dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Tall grasslands, scrubby edges, and shrubby clearings where it can glean from fine vegetation. Also uses the margins of pine stands and agricultural plots if dense herbaceous growth is present.
