The grey-hooded parrotbill is a species of parrotbill in the family Paradoxornithidae. It is endemic to China. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and temperate shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in montane temperate forests and shrublands with dense undergrowth, especially bamboo and rhododendron thickets. It favors forest edges, regenerating scrub, and steep gullies where cover is continuous. Birds typically keep low to mid-understory strata, weaving through stems and foliage. Localized occurrences make it sensitive to habitat fragmentation and undergrowth removal.
Altitude Range
1800–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-hooded parrotbill is a bamboo- and thicket-loving songbird with a stout, parrot-like bill used for husking seeds and prying insects from foliage. It is a Chinese endemic that keeps to dense cover, often moving in small, chattering parties. Habitat loss and degradation of montane shrublands and bamboo stands are the primary threats. It may join mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season, which helps it forage efficiently while reducing predation risk.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually travels in small, cohesive groups that chatter constantly while moving through dense cover. During the breeding season pairs nest low in shrubs or bamboo, constructing cup nests hidden in foliage. Outside breeding, they may join mixed-species flocks to forage and move between patches of suitable habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a light, tinkling series of high notes with brief trills, delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp, metallic ‘tseet’ contact notes and soft scolding chatters when alarmed.
Plumage
Compact parrotbill with a smooth, grey hooded head contrasting with warm brown upperparts and buffy underparts; wings and tail slightly rufous-brown. Underparts can show pale buff to creamy tones with minimal streaking.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves and stems, along with seeds, buds, and soft fruits. The robust bill allows it to husk seeds and probe tight clusters in bamboo and shrubs. Diet composition shifts seasonally, with more arthropods in the breeding season and more plant matter in cooler months.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense undergrowth of bamboo, rhododendron, and other montane thickets, typically within 0–3 m above ground. Often works methodically along stems and leafy sprays, occasionally hanging acrobatically to reach concealed prey.
