The olive-backed tailorbird is a species of passerine bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, it but now placed in the family Cisticolidae.
Region
Greater Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Primarily found on Java and Bali, inhabiting lowland forests, mangroves, secondary growth, thickets, and overgrown gardens. It favors dense understorey and edges where shrubs and saplings provide cover. The species tolerates disturbed habitats and can persist near human settlements if sufficient scrub exists. It is generally absent from intact montane forest interiors but occurs along edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A lively, leaf-sewing passerine, the olive-backed tailorbird was once grouped with the Old World warblers but is now placed in the family Cisticolidae. It forages low in dense vegetation and is famous for stitching leaves together to form a cradle for its nest. Typically seen in pairs or small family parties, it often cocks its long tail while giving sharp scolding calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups that keep to dense undergrowth. Pairs construct intricate nests by piercing and stitching leaf edges together with plant fibers or spider silk. Territorial during breeding, with cooperative defense and frequent contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A quick, tinkling warble interspersed with sharp tsip notes delivered from low cover. Scolding chatter and repetitive contact calls are common while foraging and moving through shrubs.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting paler whitish to buff underbody and a long, often cocked tail. The crown and forehead show warm rufous tones, with a clean whitish throat and slight grayish wash on the breast sides. Feathers are smooth and compact, aiding a sleek, active appearance in dense foliage.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It probes curled leaves and stitched leaf cradles for caterpillars and small beetles. Occasionally takes tiny berries or nectar but animal prey dominates its diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense shrubs, vine tangles, forest edges, and mangroves from near ground level up to the mid-understorey. Often uses secondary growth and garden thickets where cover is abundant.
