The grey-crowned prinia is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Bhutan, northern India and Nepal. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and arable land. It is threatened by habitat loss, including forest fires.
Region
Eastern Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from the Terai of Nepal through northern India into Bhutan, favoring tall riverine grasslands, moist shrubland, and cane or reed beds along floodplains. It also uses seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands and adjacent agricultural margins where remnant tall grass persists. After burns, it forages along regenerating edges, retreating into denser cover as vegetation grows back. It generally avoids closed forest, relying on grassy thickets and scattered shrubs for nesting and cover.
Altitude Range
100–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-crowned prinia is a shy, grassland warbler that keeps low in tall reeds and elephant grass, often revealing itself by a quick tail flick and buzzy song. It is highly dependent on intact riverine and seasonally flooded grasslands, habitats that are rapidly shrinking due to burning, conversion to agriculture, and invasive plants. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and managing tall-grass mosaics in the Himalayan foothills.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, maintaining territories in dense grass and shrub mosaics. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in tall grasses or shrubs, with both parents involved in care. Breeding pairs become more vocal during the season, advertising territories from slightly elevated perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, buzzy trill or chattering series delivered from within cover or a low perch, often repeated persistently. Calls include sharp ticking notes and scolding churrs when disturbed.
