The brown-winged parrotbill is a parrotbill that was formerly placed in the Old World babblers or in the Sylviidae, but has been shown by molecular genetic studies to belong to the distinct family Paradoxornithidae. The eye-ringed parrotbill was formerly considered to be a subspecies.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in southern China and parts of mainland Southeast Asia in dense bamboo thickets, secondary evergreen forest edges, and scrubby hillsides. It favors tangled undergrowth where it can forage low to mid-level in cover. Birds often occur along forest margins, riverine thickets, and regenerating clearings with bamboo. The species shows a preference for areas with continuous understory and abundant seeding grasses and bamboo.
Altitude Range
300–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The brown-winged parrotbill belongs to the family Paradoxornithidae, a group specialized for life in dense bamboo and scrub. It often moves in small, chattering flocks, deftly gleaning insects and seeds among bamboo stems. The eye-ringed parrotbill was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now regarded as a separate species. Sexes are similar, both sporting the characteristic stout, parrot-like bill.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in small, cohesive flocks that move quickly through bamboo and dense brush. Pairs nest in concealed sites, often low in bamboo, building a neat cup. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, and family parties may remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched chips and twitters interspersed with soft, scolding chatters. Calls are contact-oriented, keeping flock members together in dense cover.
