The chestnut-crested yuhina is a species of bird in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. The species has been included in the genus Staphida, along with the Indochinese yuhina and the striated yuhina of mainland Asia, and all three have been considered a single species. The scientific name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in the mountains of Borneo across Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Prefers lower to upper montane evergreen and mossy forest, often along ridgelines and forest edges. It adapts to secondary growth and tall montane scrub where flowering trees and fruiting shrubs are available. Commonly joins mixed flocks moving through the midstory to canopy.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively canopy forager, the chestnut-crested yuhina often travels in mixed-species flocks with other small insectivores in Borneo’s montane forests. It frequently raises its chestnut crest when excited or alarmed, making it easy to spot despite its small size. Its taxonomy has shifted between the genera Yuhina and Staphida, and its name commemorates zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks moving through midstory to canopy. Builds a small cup nest in dense vegetation; both parents likely participate in care. Often seen gleaning and hover-gleaning around flowering trees and fruiting shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of high-pitched twitters and buzzy trills delivered in quick bursts. Calls include sharp chips and chatters that help maintain contact within flocks.
Plumage
Small yuhina with a prominent chestnut crest, olive-brown upperparts, and paler grayish-buff underparts. The face shows a subtle dark eye-line and a contrasting pale throat. Wings and tail are brown-olive with slightly warmer tones on the flanks.
Diet
Consumes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also takes nectar from blossoms and small fruits or berries when available. Diet shifts seasonally with flowering and fruiting cycles, but invertebrates remain important for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of montane forest, especially at forest edges and along ridges. Frequently attends flowering trees and fruiting shrubs and follows mixed flocks that stir up insects.
