Huet's fulvetta is a species of bird in the family Alcippeidae. It is endemic to southeast China. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. Its diet includes Vaccinium carlesii.
Region
Southeast China
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical, moist montane and hill forests with dense undergrowth, including broadleaf evergreen and mixed forests. It frequents secondary growth, forest edges, bamboo stands, and thickets of ericaceous shrubs such as Vaccinium. The species keeps mainly to lower and mid understory strata, moving through tangled vegetation. It is tolerant of some habitat disturbance where sufficient shrub cover remains. Occurrence is patchy but can be locally common in suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Huet's fulvetta is a small, babbler-like passerine of the family Alcippeidae restricted to southeast China. It often travels in busy, chattering parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks in the forest understory. The species favors dense, moist montane thickets and frequently forages in bamboo and Vaccinium tangles. It was named in honor of the French naturalist E. Huet.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are neat cup structures placed low in dense shrubs or bamboo, with both parents participating in care. Territoriality is modest, with more pronounced defense near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, clear whistles interspersed with scolding chatters. Calls are thin, high-pitched chips used to keep contact within flocks and can become a rapid chatter during excitement.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly rufous-tinged wings and tail; underparts buff to grayish with paler throat. The face is grayish with a subtle pale eye ring and faint supercilium, and darker lores forming a soft mask. Plumage is smooth and unpatterned overall, with a medium-length tail often flicked while foraging.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from leaves and twigs. Supplements animal prey with berries and small fruits, including ericaceous shrubs such as Vaccinium carlesii. Will also take seeds occasionally, especially when insect prey is less available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory vegetation, bamboo clumps, and along forest edges. Often moves methodically through tangles and low branches, occasionally sallying short distances to snatch prey.
