Staphida everetti
The Chestnut-crested Yuhina (Staphida everetti) is a captivating small songbird, measuring approximately 13-15 cm (5.1-5.9 inches) in length and weighing around 14-20 grams. Its most striking feature is the prominent rufous-chestnut crest, which gives the species its common name and stands in stark contrast to its otherwise subdued plumage. The upperparts are generally greyish-brown, transitioning to paler grey or whitish on the underparts, often with faint streaking on the flanks, complement...
Found primarily in humid evergreen montane and submontane forests, typically at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented with berries, nectar, and small fruits.
Chestnut-crested Yuhinas are highly active and diurnal birds, spending their days foraging energetically through the forest canopy and understory, often forming large, vocal flocks. They are renowned for their social structure, frequently joining mixed-species foraging flocks alongside other babb...
The Chestnut-crested Yuhina is endemic to the Sundaic region of Southeast Asia, with its primary distribution across the montane forests of Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and Sumatra. On Borneo, it is widespread in the highland regions, including notable areas like Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut-crested Yuhina was formerly placed in the genus *Yuhina*, but recent phylogenetic studies moved it to *Staphida*, reflecting its unique evolutionary path. - Its striking chestnut crest is not only a visual identifier but may also play a role in species recognition and social signal...