The Tarim babbler, also known as the Tarim hill warbler is a species of bird in the genus Rhopophilus. It is now thought to be a close relative of the parrotbills and is placed in the family Paradoxornithidae; previously, it was placed in the families Cisticolidae, Timaliidae or Sylviidae. It is endemic to China.
Region
Western China
Typical Environment
It is confined to riparian and oasis habitats along the Tarim River system and associated desert-edge thickets. Typical sites include Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) groves, tamarisk and willow scrub, shelterbelts, and dense undergrowth near irrigation channels. It avoids open desert, relying on cover for foraging and nesting. Outside the breeding season it may use orchards and hedgerows around human settlements where dense shrub layers persist.
Altitude Range
600–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Tarim hill warbler, this species is now grouped with parrotbills (family Paradoxornithidae) after earlier placements in several warbler and babbler families. It is a skulking, long-tailed passerine adapted to riparian thickets in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China. Outside the breeding season it often moves in small family parties, keeping low in dense shrubs.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights between bushes
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs during breeding, forming small family groups after fledging. It nests low in dense shrubs, building a cup nest concealed in thickets. Pairs are likely monogamous and defend small territories centered on dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sweet, warbling series of clear whistles and trills delivered from inside cover or a low perch. Calls include sharp scolds and soft contact notes used to keep in touch within dense vegetation.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with fine, diffuse streaking and paler buff underparts; long, graduated tail often held cocked. A clean white supercilium contrasts with duskier ear-coverts and lores; wings are plain with subtle rufous-brown tones.
Diet
Takes a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Supplements with seeds and small berries, especially in winter when insects are scarce. May occasionally pick at buds or soft plant matter.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense riparian bushes, tamarisk and willow thickets, and around poplar groves. Often feeds close to the ground or in the lower shrub layer, moving methodically through cover.
