The russet-capped tesia is a species of Old World warbler in the family Cettiidae. The scientific name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical montane and foothill forests with dense, shaded understory. Prefers damp gullies, streamside tangles, and thickets of bamboo or shrubs where it can forage close to the ground. Often keeps to mossy, vine-choked areas and forest edges with heavy undergrowth. It is a skulker that uses cover extensively and rarely ventures into open areas.
Altitude Range
600–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The russet-capped tesia is a tiny, ground-loving Old World warbler of dense understory, more often heard than seen. Its scientific name commemorates British colonial administrator and zoological collector Alfred Hart Everett. It is nearly tailless and moves with quick hops and flicks through damp thickets, often near streams.
Temperament
skulking and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; reluctant to fly, prefers to hop and dart through cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, often near water, with both parents involved in care. Outside breeding, may accompany mixed-species flocks along streams but keeps low and hidden.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of tinkling notes and sharp chips delivered from concealed perches. Phrases are often repeated and can carry surprisingly far in montane forest.
Plumage
Compact, near-tailless warbler with a rich rufous crown and olive-green upperparts; underparts pale buff to whitish with a slight gray wash on the breast. Fine, short bill and relatively long pinkish legs adapted for hopping through leaf litter. Plumage is soft and non-glossy, aiding camouflage in shadowy understory.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects and other arthropods such as spiders and small beetles. Gleans prey from leaf litter, mossy logs, and low vegetation. Also probes into bark crevices and among roots and ferns in damp ravines. Foraging is rapid, with frequent pauses to listen and watch.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded understory near streams, seepages, and damp thickets. Often uses bamboo clumps, vine tangles, and fallen logs for cover while foraging.
