The ashy-throated parrotbill is a parrotbill. In old sources, it may be called Alphonse's crow-tit; though superficially resembling a tit it is not a member of the Paridae. The native range of this species extends from south-west China to northern Vietnam, and it might have become naturalised in one area in Italy.
Region
Southwest China to northern Vietnam
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwest and south-central China south to northern Vietnam, favoring dense bamboo, reedbeds, scrub, and forest edge. It thrives in secondary growth and thickets along streams and farmland margins. Birds keep low in cover, often below the canopy, and tolerate moderately disturbed habitats. A small introduced population is known from reed-dominated wetlands in central Italy.
Altitude Range
300–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small, bamboo-loving songbird was historically known as Alphonse's crow-tit and belongs to the parrotbills, not true tits. It moves in busy, chatter-filled flocks that creep through dense thickets. A small naturalised population has been reported in reedbeds in Italy. Its stout, parrot-like bill is adapted to prying seeds and insects from tight spaces.
Lago di Varese (front) and Lago di Comabbio, with the Brabbia Swamp Nature Reserve left of center
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, cohesive flocks that skulk through dense cover while maintaining contact calls. Often joins mixed-species foraging parties in winter. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in bamboo or shrubs; both parents help rear the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of tinkling notes and thin whistles interspersed with scolding chips. Flocks keep up a constant chatter, with contact calls used to stay connected in thick vegetation.
