The grey-faced tit-babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae. It is found in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Prefers dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets, and also uses secondary growth and forest edges. Often stays within a few meters of the ground, moving through shrubs and tangled vegetation. It may persist in selectively logged areas if understory structure remains intact. Proximity to streams and riparian thickets can be favored for foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-faced tit-babbler is a shy understory skulker that often reveals itself by its chattering calls rather than by sight. It was formerly placed in the genus Macronus, but is now treated as Mixornis based on modern taxonomy. Pairs or small family groups frequently join mixed-species flocks, where they help control insect populations. Habitat loss in parts of Indochina is a concern, but the species remains fairly widespread where suitable forest persists.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family parties that keep close contact via soft chatter. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or thickets; pairs are likely monogamous within a breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of quick, chattering notes and thin scolds, often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Song can include short, repeated whistled phrases interspersed with trills. Vocalizations carry well at close range but are subdued compared to many forest babblers.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a plain, soft grey face and throat; underparts buffy to pale ochre with warmer flanks. Wings show warm rufous-brown tones and the tail is brown with slightly paler edges. Overall appearance is smooth and unbarred, lacking the bold head stripes of related tit-babblers.
Diet
Primarily consumes small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms, and will probe into curled leaves and vine tangles. Occasionally takes small berries or soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, bamboo patches, and secondary thickets, typically within 1–4 meters of the ground. Edges of trails, clearings, and riparian thickets are commonly used, particularly where insect activity is high.
