The stripe-throated yuhina is a bird species in the white-eye family Zosteropidae.
Region
Himalayas and mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It inhabits moist, montane broadleaf and mixed forests, especially oak–rhododendron belts and forest edges. The species is widespread from the central and eastern Himalayas through Northeast India and Myanmar to southern China and Indochina. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, also using secondary growth and shrubby clearings near forests. It readily joins mixed feeding flocks and may visit flowering trees for nectar.
Altitude Range
1000–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The stripe-throated yuhina is a small montane songbird now placed in the white-eye family (Zosteropidae). It often travels in lively mixed-species flocks and frequents rhododendron and oak forests where it takes insects, nectar, and small fruits. Its neat, streaked throat and perky crest make it easy to pick out in a flock.
Y. g. gularis, Sikkim
Y. g. gularis, Nepal
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically moves in chattering groups and often joins mixed-species flocks with other montane insectivores. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees, with both parents involved in care. Pairs defend small nesting areas but are otherwise gregarious outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills delivered in quick phrases. Calls include sharp chips and soft chatter used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Compact, crested babbler-like songbird with warm brown upperparts and paler underparts; throat is whitish finely streaked with dark lines. The crown and small crest are gray-brown, blending into olive-brown mantle and wings. Underparts buffy to whitish with warmer flanks.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods by gleaning from foliage and twigs. Also consumes nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, notably rhododendrons, and supplements with small berries. The mix of animal prey and plant matter varies seasonally with availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest understory to mid-canopy, along edges, and in dense shrubby gaps. Common around flowering trees and at fruiting bushes, often following mixed flocks along forest trails and ridgelines.
