The Manipur fulvetta or streak-throated fulvetta is a bird species in the family Paradoxornithidae. It is named for the state of Manipur in Northeast India. Like the other typical fulvettas, it was long included in the Timaliidae genus Alcippe or in the Sylviidae. In addition, it was long included in F. cinereiceps as a subspecies, and the common name "streak-throated fulvetta" was applied to all these birds. The typical F. cinereiceps are now called grey-hooded fulvetta.
Region
Northeast India and western Myanmar
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical to temperate evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests of the Indo-Burma hill ranges, including Manipur, adjacent Nagaland and Mizoram, and into western Myanmar. It favors dense undergrowth, bamboo, and rhododendron thickets, often near forest edges and along ravines. The species adapts to secondary growth where sufficient shrub layer remains. It forages mainly in the lower to mid-story, moving quickly through foliage.
Altitude Range
1000–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the streak-throated fulvetta, this species was long lumped with the grey-hooded fulvetta before being split on vocal and plumage differences. Despite the name 'fulvetta', it belongs to the parrotbill family Paradoxornithidae rather than the old-world babblers. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks in dense hill forests, where its quiet calls can give away the group’s presence.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small groups that often join mixed-species flocks with other hill forest passerines. Builds a neat cup nest low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Both sexes participate in nesting duties, and pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, thin series of high-pitched notes and brief trills, often delivered from cover. Contact calls are whispered tsip or tsee notes used to keep flocks together.
