The collared treepie, also known as black-faced treepie or black-browed treepie, is an Asian treepie, a small perching bird of the crow family, Corvidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Indo-Burma
Typical Environment
Occurs from the hill forests of Northeast India east through Myanmar and into parts of adjacent Indo-Burma. It favors evergreen and mixed moist forests, bamboo thickets, forest edge, and tall secondary growth, and it will use wooded farmland and orchards. Most activity is in the mid to upper canopy where it moves deliberately between branches. It tolerates some disturbance but depends on areas with substantial tree cover. In fragmented habitats it persists along riparian strips and ridgelines with remnant forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The collared treepie, also called the black-faced or black-browed treepie, is a slender corvid known for its long tail and striking dark facial mask. It is an agile canopy forager that mixes chattering calls with varied whistles and sometimes mimicry. Often seen in pairs or small parties, it frequents forest edges and secondary growth. Like other treepies, it is an adaptable omnivore that takes insects, small prey, and fruits.
Temperament
alert and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are cup-shaped structures placed high in trees, built from twigs and lined with finer materials. Pairs are territorial during breeding but otherwise range widely while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh chatters, grating scolds, and liquid whistles delivered from cover. It can be surprisingly varied and may mimic other birds’ calls. Calls carry well through forest edges.
