- general description
- appearance
- the mountain tailorbird is a small, active bird with a distinctive appearance.
- it has olive-green upperparts and pale underparts, typically white or light gray.
- the head has a notable rufous or chestnut cap, which is a key identifying feature.
- it has a fine, pointed bill, and its eyes are dark.
- size
- measures about 11-12 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 6-10 grams.
- behavior
- known for its energetic and restless behavior, often seen hopping through dense foliage and low vegetation in search of food.
- it emits a series of high-pitched, rapid calls and trills, often used for communication and to establish territory.
- like other tailorbirds, it is known for its unique nesting behavior, where it “sews” leaves together to create a hidden nest.
- habitat
- range
- found in southeast asia, including parts of indonesia, the philippines, malaysia, and thailand.
- environment
- inhabits montane forests and forest edges, often at higher elevations.
- prefers areas with dense undergrowth and thick foliage, where it can forage and nest.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
- forages actively among leaves and branches, often in the lower to mid-levels of the forest.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a unique, purse-shaped nest by sewing together large leaves with plant fibers or spider silk.
- the nest is usually well-concealed in dense foliage, often in a bush or low tree.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally coincides with the wet season when food is abundant.
- female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 12-15 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its stable population and adaptability to different habitats.
- interesting facts
- the mountain tailorbird is named for its remarkable nesting behavior, which involves sewing leaves together to create a secure and concealed nest.
- its high-pitched calls and constant movement through the undergrowth make it a challenging bird to spot, despite its small size.
- the species is well-adapted to high-altitude environments and can thrive in a range of montane habitats, from dense forests to scrubby hillsides.