The whiskered yuhina is a bird species in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. Its range extends across the Himalayan forests in northern India to northeast Indian states, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and in the east to Indochina including Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The whiskered yuhina is sometimes found in mixed hunting parties with other yuhina and fulvetta species, but it has also been reported to not associate with mixed hunting parties in some areas. It is described as one of the commonest yuhinas in the Himalayas, although it is relatively uncommon to rare at low elevations. It prefers relatively undisturbed closed canopy cover. It is one among several other birds hunted by livestock herders in Northeast India.
Region
Himalayas and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh east through Northeast India to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Prefers subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, especially broadleaf evergreen and oak–rhododendron zones. Favors closed-canopy, relatively undisturbed woodland but also uses secondary forests and forest edges where flowering and fruiting plants are abundant. Often forages in the midstory and canopy and descends to lower elevations outside the breeding season.
Altitude Range
800–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The whiskered yuhina is a lively, crested songbird of montane forests, often moving in chattering flocks through the canopy. Its bold facial pattern with a pale 'whisker' and dark moustachial stripe makes it distinctive. It frequently joins mixed-species parties with other yuhinas and fulvettas and performs seasonal upslope and downslope movements following food. Despite local hunting pressure in parts of Northeast India, it remains common in suitable habitat.
Whiskered Yuhina at Nainital
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small to medium flocks and frequently joins mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during the breeding season and build neat cup nests in shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small, and both sexes help with nesting duties. Outside breeding, groups move widely through forest strata in search of flowers, insects, and fruit.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A bright, chattering series of high-pitched notes and thin whistles, often delivered in quick, excited bursts. Calls include sharp chips and soft twitters exchanged constantly within flocks.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with warmer tones on the wings, pale whitish throat, and buffy to olive underparts. The head is grayish with a pointed crest and a contrasting dark moustachial stripe bordering a pale malar ‘whisker’. Fine streaking may be present on the sides of the neck, and the undertail coverts can show rufous tones. Overall appearance is neat and smooth-feathered with a crisp facial pattern.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. Also takes nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, including rhododendrons, and consumes small berries and soft fruits. Diet composition shifts seasonally, with more nectar and fruit when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of evergreen broadleaf and oak–rhododendron forests. Often concentrates around flowering trees, fruiting shrubs, and bamboo thickets, and will work forest edges and clearings.
