The white-browed fulvetta is a bird species in the family Paradoxornithidae. Like the other typical fulvettas, it was long included in the Timaliidae genus Alcippe or in the Sylviidae.
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs from the central and eastern Himalayas through northern Myanmar into southwest and south-central China. Prefers montane broadleaf and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests with rhododendron and bamboo thickets. Often found along forest edges, scrubby slopes, and secondary growth near ravines. It keeps to understory and midstory layers where cover is dense. Local altitudinal movements occur following weather and food availability.
Altitude Range
1500–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A typical fulvetta of montane forests, it forages nimbly in dense shrubs and bamboo, often joining mixed-species flocks with yuhinas, tits, and warblers. Its crisp white eyebrow (supercilium) and warm brown tones make it easy to pick out in the dim understory. Formerly placed with babblers (Timaliidae) or sylviid warblers, it is now grouped with parrotbills and allies (Paradoxornithidae).
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small, chattering parties and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the understory. Pairs form during the breeding season and defend small territories within dense shrubs. Nests are neat cup structures placed low in thickets, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast series of thin, tinkling notes interspersed with soft trills. Calls are high, sibilant tseep or tsee-tsee contact notes used to keep flock cohesion.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly rufous tones, paler buff underparts, and a grayish throat. A clean white eyebrow contrasts with a darker eyestripe and buffy face. Wings and tail show subtle rufous edging; overall plumage is soft and finely textured.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects, larvae, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Supplements its diet with berries, small seeds, and tender buds, especially outside the breeding season. Will take advantage of seasonal rhododendron and bamboo resources.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, rhododendron and bamboo thickets, and along forest edges. Often feeds within mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through shrubs and low branches.
