The fulvous parrotbill is a species of parrotbill in the family Paradoxornithidae. The species is also known as the fulvous-fronted parrotbill, the fulvous-fronted suthora, and the fulvous-fronted crowtit. The species, along with several others from the genus Suthora, is sometimes placed in the genus Paradoxornis. The species has four subspecies; the nominate subspecies from central Nepal, Bhutan and north-east India; P. f. chayulensis from north India and south China; P. f. albifacies from north Burma and nearby south China, and P. f. cyanophrys from central China.
Region
Himalayas and south-central China
Typical Environment
Occurs from central Nepal through Bhutan and northeastern India, with populations in northern Myanmar and south to central China (including Yunnan and Sichuan). It favors dense stands of bamboo within montane forests, scrub, and forest edges. The species also uses secondary growth and thickets, especially where bamboo is abundant. Outside the breeding season it may descend slightly to lower elevations following food availability. It is generally local but can be common where suitable bamboo habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A bamboo-specialist of the Himalayan foothills and south-central China, the fulvous parrotbill often travels in lively flocks and frequently joins mixed-species parties. Its stout, parrot-like bill is adapted to prying seeds and insects from dense bamboo. The species has a complex taxonomic history and is still sometimes listed under Paradoxornis. It shows altitudinal movements where winters push it slightly downslope.
Paradoxornis fulvifrons cyanophrys
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief bounding
Social Behavior
Often moves in small, noisy flocks and readily joins mixed-species foraging parties with other babblers and yuhinas. Pairs form during the breeding season and build a neat cup nest low in bamboo or dense shrubs. Both sexes typically participate in nest building and feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid chatter, interspersed with short trills. Calls are contact-rich and keep flocks coordinated as they move through bamboo.
