David's fulvetta is a species in the family Alcippeidae. It is distributed across Myanmar, Laos, mainland China, Vietnam, and Thailand. The conservation status of this species is assessed as Least Concern.
Region
Southeast Asia and southern China
Typical Environment
Found in southern and central China extending into Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and northern Thailand. It inhabits evergreen and mixed montane forests, secondary growth, and dense thickets, including bamboo and rhododendron. Birds frequently use the understory to midstory and will edge into forest margins and scrub. Local elevational movements may occur following food availability and weather.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
David's fulvetta is a small, active babbler in the family Alcippeidae, often joining mixed-species flocks in forest understories. It ranges across southern China and parts of mainland Southeast Asia and remains common where suitable habitat persists. The species performs local movements along elevation gradients but does not undertake long-distance migrations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Breeding pairs build neat cup nests low in shrubs or dense vegetation and are thought to be monogamous. Territoriality increases during the breeding season, but outside of it birds are more gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, high-pitched series of thin chips and trills, delivered in short phrases from cover. Calls include buzzy scolds and quick contact notes that help maintain group cohesion in dense foliage.
Plumage
Small, warm brown-olive upperparts with paler, buffy underparts; grayish wash on the head and nape with a subtly paler throat. Feathers appear smooth and neat, with minimal streaking. Often shows a fine pale supercilium and narrow, clean eye-ring.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes small seeds and berries when available, especially in cooler months. Foraging is methodical, with frequent pauses to probe clusters of leaves and moss.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory of evergreen and mixed forests, bamboo thickets, and shrubby edges. Often keeps within 1–5 m of the ground but will move higher when following mixed flocks.
