The Beijing babbler, also known as the white-browed Chinese warbler, Chinese hill warbler, or Chinese bush-dweller, is a species of bird in the genus Rhopophilus. It is now thought to be a close relative of the parrotbills and is placed in the family Paradoxornithidae; previously, it was placed in the families Cisticolidae, Timaliidae or Sylviidae. It is found in northern China and North Korea, and formerly occurred in South Korea. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1868.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern China, including the Beijing region and surrounding provinces, and into North Korea; it has been extirpated or is very rare in South Korea. It inhabits dry scrub, forest edges, riverine thickets, and secondary growth on hillsides and plains. The species keeps close to dense cover but will venture into open patches to feed. Local movements may occur in response to harsh winter weather, but populations are largely sedentary.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the white-browed Chinese warbler, this species is a close relative of the parrotbills and now placed in the family Paradoxornithidae. It favors scrubby hillsides and thickets and often moves in small, chatty parties. Formerly recorded in South Korea, it is now mainly found in northern China and North Korea. Its conspicuous white eyebrow is a key field mark.
Temperament
skulking yet active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over scrub
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, moving through dense shrubs with frequent tail flicks. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in bushes or thickets. Both parents participate in raising the young, and family parties often remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, ringing warble of clear, whistled phrases delivered from within cover or a low perch. Scolding chatter and harsh contact notes are common when disturbed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a long, graduated tail; fine streaking may be present on the back in some individuals. The texture is soft and loosely structured, typical of scrub-dwelling passerines.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Supplements its diet with seeds and berries, especially in autumn and winter. Will glean from foliage, probe in leaf litter, and make short sallies for prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense shrubs, hedgerows, and bramble patches, often close to the ground. Also uses forest edges, scrubby slopes, and overgrown field margins.
