The grey-breasted prinia or Franklin's prinia is a wren-warbler belonging to the family of small passerine birds found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. This prinia is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka and southeast Asia. Like other prinias, it often holds the tail upright but it is easily told by a smoky grey band across the breast which contrasts with a white throat. The beak is all black while the legs are pink. The tail is graduated as in other prinias and the grey feathers are tipped in white. In the breeding plumage the upperparts are grey while non-breeding birds are pale above with rufous wings and a weak supercilium. It is found in scrub, forest clearings and other open but well vegetated habitats. It can be confused with the rufescent prinia.
Region
South Asia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and into parts of mainland Southeast Asia. Prefers open, well-vegetated habitats such as scrub, grassland with scattered bushes, forest edges, clearings, and cultivated lands. Readily occupies suburban gardens and hedgerows where dense low cover is available. Often stays low in vegetation, moving through bushes and tall grasses. Generally sedentary within its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Franklin's prinia, this small wren-warbler often carries its tail cocked upright and shows a distinctive smoky-grey breast band contrasting with a white throat. It is a common, adaptable resident across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, frequently using scrub, gardens, and agricultural edges. Several subspecies vary subtly in tone, and it can be confused with rufescent prinia, which lacks the clear grey breast band.
Non-breeding nominate subspecies with short supercilium and olive brown upperparts (Hyderabad, India)
The graduated tail with white tips is visible from below (Andhra Pradesh)
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in dense low vegetation. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and build a neat cup nest low in shrubs or tall grass. Clutches are small, and both sexes participate in nesting and care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a brisk, repetitive series of metallic trills and tinkling notes delivered from exposed perches or within shrubs. Calls include sharp chips and rattles used in contact and alarm. Males often sing persistently during the breeding season.
