The white-naped yuhina is a bird species in the white-eye family Zosteropidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern India and northern Myanmar through southwest China (notably Yunnan) into parts of northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors subtropical and montane broadleaf evergreen forests, forest edges, and secondary growth with dense midstory. The species often uses mixed bamboo and rhododendron thickets and frequents fruiting and flowering trees. It is most often encountered in flocks moving along forested ridges and valleys.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small canopy-foraging passerine now placed in the white-eye family (Zosteropidae), the white-naped yuhina is named for its crisp white nape patch. It commonly joins mixed-species flocks with other insectivores, moving nimbly through leaves and blossoms. Nests are typically neat cups set in shrubs or small trees, often lined with moss and fine fibers. Although not globally threatened, it can be locally affected by the loss of montane forest.
Reproduction from Birds of Asia., Volume IV, London
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in small to medium flocks and readily joins mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during breeding season and construct cup nests in shrubs or small trees. Territoriality is modest, with pairs defending a small area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin twitters and sweet whistled phrases delivered in short bursts. Contact calls are quick, sibilant notes used to keep flocks together in dense foliage.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with paler underparts and a distinct clean white patch across the nape; subtle crest gives the head a peaked look. The face is grayish with a dusky mask and a pale throat, and the flanks may show a warm buff wash.
Diet
Takes small insects, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also consumes small berries and soft fruits, especially when arthropods are scarce. Will probe blossoms for nectar and tiny invertebrates, supplementing its primarily insectivorous diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid-story to canopy of montane broadleaf forest, along edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently works flowering and fruiting trees and occasionally descends to lower strata in mixed flocks.
