Tesia cyaniventer
The Grey-bellied Tesia (Tesia cyaniventer) is a diminutive and distinctive member of the family Cettiidae, a group of Old World warblers. Measuring a mere 9-10 cm in length and weighing just 6-10 grams, it is characterized by its almost tail-less appearance, long pinkish-brown legs, and a stout, pointed black bill. Its plumage features bright olive-green upperparts, including the crown and back, which contrast sharply with its pale grey belly and flanks, often tinged with olive on the breast....
Inhabits dense, humid undergrowth of broadleaf evergreen and mixed deciduous forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters, often near streams or damp ravines.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae, gleaned meticulously from leaf litter and low vegetation.
The Grey-bellied Tesia is notoriously shy and skulking, spending most of its time hidden deep within the undergrowth, where it forages actively. It hops methodically through leaf litter and low vegetation, often flicking its vestigial tail as it moves. Its daily activity is marked by constant sea...
The Grey-bellied Tesia possesses a widespread yet fragmented distribution across the Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the western Himalayas in northern India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India (Sikkim, Arun...
Least Concern
- The Grey-bellied Tesia is often referred to as "tailless" due to its extremely short, almost non-existent tail, making it look uniquely spherical among passerines. - Despite its tiny size (typically 9-10 cm), its vocalizations are surprisingly loud and far-carrying, often the only indication of...