The grey-hooded fulvetta is a bird species in the family Paradoxornithidae. Like the other typical fulvettas, it was long included in the Timaliidae genus Alcippe or in the Sylviidae.
Region
South-central and central China
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen broadleaf and mixed forests, often where bamboo or dense understory is present. Favors forest edges, secondary growth, and thickets near clearings. Commonly joins mixed flocks moving through midstory and understory foliage. It is generally a highland species but can descend locally in winter to lower wooded slopes.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The grey-hooded fulvetta was long placed with babblers (Timaliidae) or Old World warblers (Sylviidae) but is now in Paradoxornithidae with the parrotbills and typical fulvettas. It often forages in lively mixed-species flocks in montane forests. Pairs build neat cup nests low in dense shrubs or bamboo.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Frequently travels in small parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks of warblers, yuhinas, and tits. Pairs form during the breeding season and are thought to be monogamous. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs, bamboo, or ferny cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, tinkling series of thin whistles and trills delivered from cover. Calls include sharp tsee and soft chittering notes used to keep contact within flocks. The repertoire is high-pitched and can be easily overlooked in noisy montane forests.
Plumage
A neat, small fulvetta with a smooth grey hood contrasting with warm brown upperparts and paler buffy underparts. Wings show rufous-brown tones with paler edges; throat often whitish to pale buff. Feathers are fine-textured, giving a sleek, even appearance.
Diet
Gleans small insects, spiders, and larvae from leaves and twigs. Also takes seeds, tender buds, and small berries when available. Will probe bamboo and dense foliage, occasionally hanging briefly to reach prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in understory to midstory of evergreen and mixed montane forests, often along edges, clearings, and bamboo stands. Regularly forages in mixed-species flocks moving through dense cover.
