The red-tailed minla is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is the only species in the genus Minla.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the central and eastern Himalayas through northeastern India and Bhutan into northern Myanmar, southwest and south-central China (e.g., Yunnan, Sichuan), and parts of northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits moist montane broadleaf and mixed forests, especially rhododendron, oak, and conifer zones with dense understory. Common along forest edges, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets. Often descends slightly in winter but remains tied to cool, humid mountain habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-tailed minla is a lively Himalayan babbler and the sole member of the genus Minla. It frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks, moving nimbly through the midstory and canopy. Its bright rufous tail and contrasting gray crown make it one of the more striking small birds of montane forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks with other babblers and warblers. Builds a neat cup nest in dense shrubs or bamboo, with both parents participating in care. Territorial during breeding but otherwise loosely gregarious.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A series of high, thin, tinkling notes interspersed with sweet whistles. Calls include sharp chips and soft trills used to keep contact within foraging parties.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a cool gray crown and nape; bright rufous tail and rump. Wings dark with yellow and chestnut edging on coverts and tertials. Underparts pale buff-gray with subtle dusky streaking on the throat and warmer flanks.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. Occasionally takes small berries and soft fruits, especially outside the breeding season. Gleans from leaves and twigs, probes bark crevices, and makes short sallies to capture prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of moist montane forests, favoring dense foliage and rhododendron stands. Frequently works along forest edges and in bamboo undergrowth, often in mixed flocks. Utilizes secondary growth and clearings near forest as well.
