The rufous-vented yuhina is a bird species in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. It is found along the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Eastern Himalayas, and ranges across Bhutan, India, Tibet, Myanmar, and Nepal. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and adjacent northern Myanmar/Tibet
Typical Environment
Inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially broadleaf and mixed oak–rhododendron forests. Favors forest edges, clearings with flowering shrubs, and mature secondary growth. Frequently moves through the midstory to canopy in small, noisy parties. Undertakes local upslope or downslope movements following food resources and flowering.
Altitude Range
900–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A highly social, crested songbird that forages acrobatically, often hanging upside-down while gleaning from leaves and flowers. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks with tits, laughingthrushes, and other white-eyes. The species was formerly placed with babblers (Timaliidae) but is now in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. Its rufous-orange vent is a key field mark seen when it flicks its tail.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Travels in chattering groups and readily joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests in shrubs or small trees, building a neat cup often concealed in dense foliage. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and show cooperative vigilance while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rapid, high-pitched chatter and thin twitters interspersed with short trills. Contact calls are sharp and frequent, helping flocks stay coordinated in dense vegetation.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a grayish head and a small spiky crest; pale throat and breast shading to buffy flanks. The vent and undertail coverts are distinctly rufous, most visible when the tail is cocked. Underparts otherwise pale with subtle warm tones; wings and tail darker brown.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Takes nectar from rhododendron and other blossoms, often probing flowers methodically. Also consumes small berries and soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory to canopy at forest edges, along trails, and in secondary growth. Often follows flowering trees and shrubs and joins mixed flocks moving through foliage layers.
