The black-throated prinia is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and southwestern China
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayan foothills through Bhutan and northeastern India into northern Myanmar and southwestern China (notably Yunnan and adjacent areas). It favors dense shrublands, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth, often near clearings and along ravines. The species typically remains low to mid-level in vegetation, using cover for foraging and nesting. Local altitudinal movements may occur following seasons and weather.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, skulking warbler of the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, the black-throated prinia often keeps low in dense scrub with its tail cocked. Breeding males show a striking black throat that contrasts with paler underparts, while females and non-breeding birds lack the solid black patch. It forages methodically for tiny insects, frequently flicking its tail. Its sharp, repetitive song carries well from shrub tops during the breeding season.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when it holds small territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense grass or shrubs. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed-species flocks in shrubby habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A sharp, repetitive series of chips and buzzing trills delivered from shrub tops or within cover. The song is simple but persistent, often accelerating slightly. Calls include thin ticks and soft scolds while foraging.
Plumage
Upperparts grey-brown to olive-brown with a long, graduated tail; underparts whitish to buff with warmer flanks. Breeding male shows a distinct black throat and upper breast; female and non-breeding birds have a paler, often whitish throat. Fine, slender bill and often a faint pale supercilium.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves, stems, and grass heads, and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. Foraging is methodical, with frequent tail flicks and short hops through dense cover.
Preferred Environment
Dense shrubs, bamboo, and grassy thickets along forest edges, clearings, and ravines. Often forages within one to two meters above ground, using cover for protection and to ambush prey.
