Heterophasia desgodinsi
The Black-headed Sibia is a medium-sized babbler, typically measuring 22-26 cm in length and weighing between 40-60 grams. It exhibits striking plumage characterized by a glossy black cap extending to the nape, sharply contrasting with an ash-grey body and rufous-chestnut flanks and vent. A prominent, clean white patch on the dark grey primaries and a long, graduated black tail with broad white tips on the outer rectrices are key identification marks. This species belongs to the family Leioth...
Primarily inhabits montane broadleaf evergreen forests, evergreen oak forests, and pine-oak forests, favoring forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. Found at elevations typically ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming a variety of insects (e.g., caterpillars, beetles, ants) and other small invertebrates, supplemented with berries, fruits, and occasionally nectar. It forages by gleaning from foliage, probing bark, and hawking insects in flight.
This active, diurnal passerine is frequently observed foraging in the mid-canopy and understory, often as a participant in mixed-species feeding flocks alongside other babblers, minlas, and white-eyes. Its foraging strategy involves gleaning insects from foliage and bark, probing into crevices, a...
The Black-headed Sibia is a widespread resident across the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and southern China. Its primary breeding range encompasses northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh), northern Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam, extending extensively through parts of souther...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Sibia belongs to a group of birds sometimes called the "mockingbirds of the Old World" due to their varied and often musical vocalizations. - Its genus name, *Heterophasia*, translates to "different appearance," potentially reflecting the diverse plumages found within the sibia...