The slaty-bellied tesia is a species of warbler in the family Cettiidae.
Region
Himalayas and mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and northeastern India through Bhutan and Myanmar to southern China, northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits dense, shady undergrowth in subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, often near streams and in bamboo or fern tangles. The species is highly skulking and stays close to the ground, using thick understory for cover. It is more often detected by voice than by sight in ravines and forest edges.
Altitude Range
300–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, ground-loving warbler with an almost nonexistent tail, the slaty-bellied tesia skulk-walks through dense undergrowth like a mouse. Its sharp, penetrating song carries surprisingly far for such a small bird and often betrays its presence long before it is seen. It favors damp ravines and bamboo thickets where it forages close to the forest floor.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs in dense understory. Builds a domed nest low to the ground or in thick vegetation. Breeding occurs in the warm season, with both parents involved in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A sharp, high-pitched series of repeated notes that can be loud and far-carrying, often delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin, piercing tsee-tsee notes given frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slaty-gray underparts and throat, giving a distinctly dark-bellied look. Very short, almost invisible tail; compact, round-bodied appearance. Bold whitish supercilium contrasts with darker lores and face.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaf litter, mossy logs, and low foliage. Will make short hops and quick sallies to snatch moving prey at close range.
Preferred Environment
Dense, damp understory in forests, especially near streams, ravines, and bamboo thickets. Forages within a meter of the ground, often under deep cover where visibility is limited.
