The spot-breasted parrotbill is a species of bird in the family Paradoxornithidae. It is found in Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Region
Indochina and southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs from the foothills of northeastern India and Bangladesh across Myanmar and the Indochinese peninsula into southern China. Prefers dense bamboo, tall grass and reedbeds, scrubby forest edge, and secondary growth. Frequently found along riverine thickets, landslides with regenerating bamboo, and shrub-choked hillsides. It is generally sedentary, making local movements to track food and cover availability.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A bamboo-thicket specialist, the spot-breasted parrotbill uses its stout, parrot-like bill to pry into stems and seedheads for insects and seeds. It often moves in small, noisy parties that skulk through dense undergrowth and occasionally join mixed-species flocks. Its spotted upper breast and dark facial mask help separate it from other parrotbills across its range.
Temperament
skulking yet social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats over and within dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small groups or pairs, keeping to dense bamboo and scrub. Often associates loosely with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, where both parents attend the brood.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, metallic chips and nasal whistles interspersed with chattering notes. Calls are persistent contact notes that help groups stay together within thick cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a long, graduated tail; buff underparts with distinct black spotting across the upper breast. Face shows a contrasting dark mask through the eye and a dusky moustachial line set against paler buff cheeks. The bill is thick, deep, and conical with a parrot-like profile.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from bamboo culms, leaves, and seedheads. Also eats seeds, grass heads, and occasionally berries, especially outside the peak insect season. Uses its robust bill to pry and crush food items.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense bamboo stands, reedbeds, and tangled scrub, usually below the midstory. Often forages along edges of trails, streams, and landslides where bamboo is regenerating.
