The bar-winged prinia is a species of bird in the cisticola family Cisticolidae. The species is sometimes known as the bar-winged wren-warbler.
Region
Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Found primarily on the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia, where it frequents forest edges, secondary growth, scrub, agricultural mosaics, and gardens. It is particularly common in shrubby hillsides and plantation margins, including tea and coffee estates. The species tolerates moderate habitat disturbance and often occurs near villages. It forages from the understorey to mid-canopy, moving quickly through dense foliage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bar-winged prinia is a small, active warbler of the cisticola family, often seen flicking its long tail while moving through scrub and gardens. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes such as tea plantations and village edges. Its common alias, bar-winged wren-warbler, reflects its wren-like behavior and warbler affinities. Males often sing from exposed perches, delivering a brisk, buzzy series of notes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, moving rapidly through low vegetation with frequent tail flicks. Pairs are territorial during the breeding season and construct a neat, domed or cup-like nest in dense shrubs or grasses. Both parents typically share incubation and feeding duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A brisk, buzzy series of notes and trills delivered from exposed perches, often repeated persistently. Calls include sharp ticks and chips used for contact within pairs or family groups.
Plumage
Upperparts warm brown to gray-brown with distinct pale wing-bars; underparts whitish to buff with warmer flanks. Tail is long and often cocked, with darker subterminal markings. Fine, neat feathering gives a smooth appearance in good light.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small arthropods including beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, stems, and twigs, and occasionally makes short sallies to capture insects in flight. May also take small soft-bodied invertebrates concealed in seed heads or flower clusters.
Preferred Environment
Forages in scrub, hedgerows, plantation edges, and along forest margins where low, dense vegetation provides cover. Often works through mixed-height shrubs and tall grasses, sometimes near human habitation.
