The mountain fulvetta is a 14 to 15.5 cm long species of bird in the Alcippeidae family. It is found in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and mossy forests from the highlands of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia through parts of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors dense understory, bamboo thickets, forest edges, and secondary montane growth. Birds often keep to shaded gullies and ridgelines, moving methodically through foliage while foraging. The species is typically local to higher elevations but can descend slightly in cooler seasons. It is generally non-migratory within this upland zone.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated within the Grey-cheeked Fulvetta complex, the mountain fulvetta is now recognized as a distinct species in the family Alcippeidae. It often travels with mixed-species flocks in the forest understory, where it is active but rather skulking. Its name peracensis refers to Perak in Peninsular Malaysia, where typical populations occur.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are neat cups placed low in shrubs or dense vegetation, with small clutches. Pairs maintain loose territories and communicate with soft contact calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, thin whistles and sweet phrases, delivered in short bouts from mid-level perches. Calls include soft chips and tseet notes used to keep contact within groups.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a contrasting grey head and cheeks; underparts buffy to pale with warmer flanks. A neat pale eye-ring and pale lores give a subtly masked look. Wings and tail are brown with slightly warmer edges; throat is paler, often whitish.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also takes small berries and other soft fruits when available, especially in the wet season. Foraging is methodical, with frequent pauses to probe clusters of leaves and bamboo sheaths.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and along forest edges, often near bamboo and tangles. Commonly works 1–5 meters above ground, occasionally descending to the leaf litter along trails and stream margins.
