The yellow-bellied prinia is a species of bird in the family Cisticolidae. It is found in Pakistan, the southern Himalayan foothills, the northeastern Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from Pakistan and the southern Himalayan foothills across the northeastern Indian subcontinent to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. Favors lowland marshes, reedbeds, wet grasslands, and the edges of ponds, lakes, and canals. Common in rice paddies and other agricultural wetlands, as well as overgrown fields and scrub near water. Usually keeps low in dense cover but sings from exposed perches during the breeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-bellied prinia is a lively, tail-cocking warbler of marshes and wet grasslands, often heard before it is seen. Males in breeding plumage show a greyer head that contrasts with the bright yellow underparts. It adapts well to human-modified wetlands such as rice paddies and canals. Its buzzy, repetitive song is a signature sound of lowland reedbeds across South and Southeast Asia.
Temperament
active and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, remaining close to dense grasses and reeds. Territorial during breeding, with males singing from exposed stems or shrub tops. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in tall grass or reeds; both sexes participate in nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, buzzy series of repetitive notes delivered from an exposed perch, often accelerating slightly. Calls include sharp chips and rattles given while moving through cover.
