The silver-eared mesia is a species of bird from South East Asia.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam into the Malay Peninsula. Prefers dense shrub layers and bamboo thickets in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Common along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, and it may venture into shaded gardens and plantations. Often follows streams and ravines where cover is thick and insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The silver-eared mesia is a brightly colored babbler native to the foothills and montane forests of Southeast Asia. It often travels in small, chattering parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks. Its distinctive silvery ear patch and red-and-yellow wing panel make it easy to recognize in dense undergrowth. It adapts well to secondary growth and forest edges, which helps keep populations stable.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages in small, noisy groups and readily joins mixed-species flocks. During breeding, pairs separate to defend small territories and build a neat cup nest low in dense shrubs. Both adults feed the young and keep close contact calls while moving through cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, melodious whistles interspersed with sweet, fluting phrases. Also gives sharp scolds and chatters to maintain contact within the flock.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with bright yellow underparts and an orange to golden throat; black cap with conspicuous silvery-white ear coverts. Wings show bold red and yellow patches with clean edging, and the rump may be tinged orange. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, aiding movement through thickets.
Diet
Eats a mix of small insects and other invertebrates along with berries and soft fruits. Gleans methodically from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies for flushed prey. Will exploit seasonal fruiting shrubs and may sample nectar when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the low to mid-understory of dense thickets, bamboo, and forest edges. Frequently works along stream margins and in secondary growth, and sometimes visits well-vegetated gardens and plantations.
