The grey-bellied tesia is a species of warbler in the family Cettiidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas to Indochina and southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayan foothills through northeastern India, Myanmar, and southern China (including Yunnan and Guangxi) to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It favors subtropical and tropical moist montane and foothill forests, especially along shaded ravines and stream edges. Dense bamboo, ferny undergrowth, and mossy thickets provide key cover. It is typically associated with intact forest but can persist in well-vegetated secondary growth. Local altitudinal movements may occur following seasonal changes in humidity.
Altitude Range
300–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-bellied tesia is a tiny, tailless-looking warbler that spends most of its time in dense undergrowth, often near streams. Its bold white eyebrow and very short tail make it distinctive when glimpsed. It forages close to the ground, moving mouse-like through leaf litter and moss. Despite its secretive habits, it sings loudly with high, penetrating notes.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially in the breeding season. Nests are placed low, often near the ground or stream banks, concealed in dense vegetation. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks in the understorey but remains close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high-pitched, thin, ringing notes and trills delivered from deep cover. Calls include sharp ticks and seeps that can be ventriloquial, making the bird hard to locate.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a clean grey to slate-grey belly and breast, giving a sharp contrast. Very short tail, often held cocked, and a neat, compact body. A bold whitish supercilium runs from the bill over the eye, offset by a darker eye-line. Throat pale grey with subtle olive wash on the flanks.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as spiders, ants, beetles, and caterpillars. Gleans methodically from leaf litter, moss, and low stems, and occasionally makes short sallies to grab prey. Its fine bill allows precise picking of tiny invertebrates. Foraging is almost always within a meter or two of the ground.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of moist forests, especially along shaded streams, ravines, and bamboo thickets. Frequently uses fallen logs, root tangles, and mossy banks as foraging substrates.
