The grey-chinned minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found from the Himalayas to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat is forests about 1,000–2,000 m (3,300–6,600 ft) in elevation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as a least-concern species.
Region
Himalayas, southern China and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills across northeast India and Myanmar into southern China, Taiwan, and much of mainland Southeast Asia. Prefers evergreen and mixed montane forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. Often uses ridgelines and canopy layers where it forages actively. Can descend slightly in winter along elevational gradients where habitat remains wooded.
Altitude Range
1000–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking minivet shows strong sexual dimorphism: males blaze orange-red against black upperparts, while females replace the orange with yellow. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, moving nimbly through the canopy. Its thin, whistled calls often reveal its presence before it is seen.
Female in Thailand
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often forages in small groups or pairs and readily joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build neat cup nests high in trees. Both adults typically participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched whistles and sweet, fluty trills. Contact calls are sharp, sibilant seee notes given while moving through foliage.
