The chestnut-headed tesia is a small insectivorous songbird formerly of the "Old World warbler" family but nowadays placed in the bush warbler family (Cettiidae).
Region
Himalayas and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills (Nepal, Bhutan, northeast India) east through northern Myanmar and southwest China to parts of Laos, Vietnam, and northwest Thailand. Prefers dense, shady undergrowth in moist broadleaf and mixed forests, often near streams and in bamboo or thickets. It also uses forest edges, ravines, and secondary growth with thick ground cover. The species is largely resident, with some local altitudinal movements following seasonal conditions.
Altitude Range
300–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chestnut-headed tesia is a tiny, near-tailless bush warbler that creeps mouse-like through dense undergrowth. It was formerly placed with the Old World warblers but is now in the bush warbler family (Cettiidae). Despite its size, its sharp, penetrating song carries far through forest ravines. It is notoriously skulking, more often heard than seen.
From Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, India.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, keeping to dense ground cover. Nests are dome-shaped and placed low in vegetation or on banks, constructed from moss, leaves, and fibers. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sharp, penetrating series of high-pitched tsee or tik notes, often delivered in rapid sequences from concealed perches. Calls include thin, metallic chips and scolds when disturbed.
Plumage
Compact, near-tailless warbler with a rich chestnut head contrasting with olive-green upperparts and dull yellowish to buff underparts; whitish throat often evident. Feathers are smooth and the bird appears round-bodied due to the very short tail.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans methodically from leaf litter, mossy logs, and low foliage. Occasionally sallies short distances to snap up disturbed prey. Foraging is usually within a meter of the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense undergrowth, bamboo clumps, and along shaded stream margins. Often selects ravines and thickets with abundant leaf litter and moist microhabitats.
