The white-bellied erpornis or simply erpornis is a species of bird. It is the only member of the genus Erpornis. This bird is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Himalayan foothills and northeastern India through southern China and Taiwan to mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas. It occupies subtropical and tropical moist evergreen and montane forests, including hill forests, broadleaf forests, and mature secondary growth. The species favors forest edges, ridgelines, and mixed bamboo stands, where it forages in the midstory to canopy. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and can occur in well-wooded plantations and parks near forest.
Altitude Range
200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied erpornis is the sole member of the genus Erpornis and has been reclassified from the babbler group to the vireo family based on genetics. It is an active foliage-gleaner that often joins mixed-species flocks in forest canopies. Its subtle plumage is offset by a delicate, vireo-like bill with a slight hook, well-suited to picking insects from leaves.
White-bellied Erpornis from Vietnam
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between foliage
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are small cup structures placed in forks of shrubs or trees, typically in the midstory. Breeding pairs maintain small territories during the nesting season but are tolerant of nearby conspecifics.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of light, clear, vireo-like whistles and short phrases repeated at intervals. Calls are thin, high-pitched chips and scolding notes given while foraging. The overall voice is soft but carries in quiet forest conditions.
