The black-crowned fulvetta is a bird species in the family Pellorneidae. Until recently it was considered a sub-species of the rufous-winged fulvetta. It is endemic to Vietnam.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the montane evergreen and mixed pine–broadleaf forests of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, especially around the Da Lat (Langbian) Plateau. Prefers dense shrub layers, bamboo thickets, and mossy forest edges where it can move unobtrusively. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory to midstory. It tolerates selectively logged forests if sufficient understory cover remains.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A recently recognized split from the rufous-winged fulvetta, this species is confined to Vietnam’s south-central highlands. It often forages in mixed-species flocks and keeps to dense understory, making it more often heard than seen. Its crisp black crown and warm rufous wing panel help separate it from close relatives. Habitat loss in montane forests could affect local populations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation. Breeding pairs defend small territories within suitable understory habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched notes and tinkling trills, often delivered from within cover. Contact calls are soft chips and twitters that help maintain cohesion in mixed flocks.
Plumage
Compact fulvetta with warm brown upperparts, rich rufous wing panel, and pale buff underparts. The crown is distinctly black, contrasting with a pale supercilium and subtle dark eye-line. Throat and breast are buffy with fine grayish tones; back and tail are brown.
Diet
Primarily gleans small insects, spiders, and other arthropods from leaves, twigs, and mossy trunks. Occasionally takes tiny seeds or berries, especially when insect prey is scarce. Forages methodically through dense foliage, often following mixed flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory and lower midstory of montane evergreen and mixed pine forests. Also uses forest edges and bamboo thickets where insect abundance is high.
