Prinia cooki
The Burmese Prinia (Prinia cooki) is a small, rather drab passerine bird, averaging 11-13 cm in length, including its notably long, graduated tail, and weighing around 6-9 grams. Its plumage is generally greyish-brown on the upperparts, contrasting with clean whitish underparts. A faint, pale supercilium is often discernible, and the lores can be slightly darker, offering a subtle facial pattern. The bill is slender and dark, typical of an insectivorous prinia. A distinctive field mark is its...
This prinia primarily inhabits open grasslands, scrub, reedbeds, tangled undergrowth, and agricultural lands, often favoring areas near human habitation or cultivation. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, generally below 1,500 meters.
The Burmese Prinia feeds predominantly on small insects and other invertebrates, which it gleans from foliage and low vegetation.
Burmese Prinias are diurnal and highly active birds, constantly foraging and flitting within dense cover, though they can be surprisingly conspicuous with their loud calls. They are primarily insectivorous, gleaning small invertebrates from foliage and stems, often with short, agile flights betwe...
The Burmese Prinia is resident across a significant portion of Southeast Asia, primarily found within Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its range also extends into southern parts of China, specifically in Yunnan province. There are no known migratory corridors or distinct wintering ...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, it was once considered a subspecies of the Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata) before being recognized as a distinct species due to vocal and genetic differences. - Its scientific name, *cooki*, honors Captain John Cook, a British naval officer and naturalist who collected s...