The tawny-breasted parrotfinch is a species of estrildid finch found in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is found in tropical montane moist forests, grassy clearings and forest edges. The IUCN has classified the species as being of least concern.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Indonesia, Malaysia (including Borneo), and the Philippines, where it favors tropical montane moist forests, forest edges, and grassy clearings. It frequents bamboo thickets, secondary growth, and trailside vegetation, usually staying low to mid-levels. The species adapts to small openings and regenerating habitats but depends on intact montane forest nearby. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable cover and seeding grasses are abundant.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small finch is often overlooked because it keeps to dense cover along forest edges and grassy montane clearings. Like many parrotfinches, it may gather at seeding bamboo and grasses, taking advantage of brief food bonanzas. Its common name refers to the warm tawny wash across the breast, contrasting with the green upperparts and bluish tail. It is assessed as Least Concern, though local populations can fluctuate with habitat changes.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small groups, becoming more gregarious where grasses are seeding. Pairs are likely monogamous and build neat globular nests of grasses hidden in dense vegetation. They forage quietly near the ground or in low shrubs, slipping back into cover when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched tseep notes and soft twitters. The song is a subdued series of tinkling phrases, delivered from cover and easily missed in windy montane habitats.
