The grey-headed babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra, locally on nearby islands), Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak), and southern Thailand. It inhabits primary and selectively logged evergreen lowland forests, peat swamp forest, and dense secondary growth with substantial understory cover. Typically keeps to thickets, vine tangles, and bamboo stands. Often near streams and forest edges but remains within shaded, cluttered microhabitats for cover and foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small babbler is a shy understory specialist of Sundaic lowland forests, often detected by its soft, duetting calls rather than by sight. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage and vines. Although sensitive to extensive deforestation, it can persist in selectively logged forest and dense second growth if understory cover remains.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and brief flights between cover
Social Behavior
Often moves in pairs or small family parties and readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation. Pairs may engage in antiphonal duets to maintain contact in thick cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of whistled notes and chatter, frequently delivered as a duet between pair members. Calls are repetitive and carry poorly, suiting life in dense foliage.
