The rufous-tailed babbler is a bird species in the family Paradoxornithidae. As with many other species known as "babblers", it was formerly placed in the family Sylviidae. It is endemic to central China.
Region
Central China
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane foothills and mid-elevation slopes with dense scrub, bamboo, and forest edge. Prefers tangled undergrowth in mixed and coniferous forests, rhododendron thickets, and brushy gullies. Often near rocky slopes and streamside vegetation where cover is abundant. Outside the breeding season it may descend locally into lower, brushier habitats but remains tied to dense cover.
Altitude Range
1500–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rufous-tailed babbler is a shy, ground-hugging songbird that threads through dense thickets in central China. It was long grouped with Old World warblers but is now placed with the parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae). Its warm rufous tail is a key field mark, often seen flicking as the bird moves through undergrowth.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, keeping close to dense vegetation. Territorial during the breeding season, with cup nests placed low in shrubs or thickets. Likely monogamous, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled phrases interspersed with buzzy scolds, delivered from inside cover. Calls include sharp tcks and chatter used to maintain contact within pairs.
Plumage
Overall warm brown to olive-brown above with paler, lightly streaked underparts and a buffy throat. The long, graduated tail is distinctly rufous and often held cocked or flicked. A faint pale supercilium contrasts subtly with a duskier ear-coverts area.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves, stems, and the ground layer. Will pick spiders and caterpillars from tangled vines and bamboo. May supplement with small berries and seeds when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense shrubs, bamboo clumps, and forest edge tangles, rarely venturing into open areas. Often works methodically just above ground level and along brushy stream margins.
