Przevalski's parrotbill or the rusty-throated parrotbill, is a species of parrotbill in the family Paradoxornithidae. It is endemic to a small area of central China. Its natural habitat is temperate forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Central China (Gansu and northern Sichuan)
Typical Environment
Found in montane temperate forests with dense bamboo undergrowth, especially along forest edges, ravines, and thickets. It keeps to low vegetation, weaving through bamboo and shrubs where it forages. Occurs patchily within its limited range, with local presence tied closely to the availability of mature bamboo stands. Human disturbance and forest conversion can quickly reduce suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
2000–3400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the rusty-throated parrotbill, it is named after the explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. It is a shy bamboo specialist, often detected by its thin, tinkling calls rather than by sight. Its restricted range in central China makes it vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Illustration of the Przevalski's parrotbill
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in bamboo or shrubs. Breeding pairs maintain small territories but remain inconspicuous within thick undergrowth.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, tinkling notes and soft twitters, often delivered from within dense bamboo. Contact calls are high, metallic chips that help groups keep together while foraging.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a paler, slightly buffy wash below and a distinct rusty-orange throat and upper breast. Feathers appear smooth and unpatterned, giving a fairly uniform look except for the contrasting throat. Tail is relatively long and graduated, typical of parrotbills.
Diet
Takes small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and stems. Also consumes seeds, tender bamboo shoots, and small berries when available. Foraging is methodical, with frequent probing and picking among leaves and culms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds low in dense bamboo thickets, shrubby forest edges, and tangled ravines. Often remains within a meter or two of the ground, moving through cover rather than venturing into open spaces.
