Mixornis kelleyi
The Grey-faced Tit-Babbler (*Mixornis kelleyi*) is a diminutive and engaging songbird endemic to the lowland forests of Indochina. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length, it is characterized by its distinctive pale grey head, contrasting with a yellowish-green back and wings. Its underparts are a bright yellow, often faintly streaked on the breast and flanks, providing excellent camouflage within its dense shrubby habitat. A subtle white supercilium above the pale lores adds to its charac...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, preferring areas with dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth, typically found at elevations below 900 meters.
The diet of the Grey-faced Tit-Babbler primarily consists of small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders, supplemented occasionally by small seeds and fruit, all gleaned from foliage and branches.
The Grey-faced Tit-Babbler is a highly active and restless diurnal bird, constantly moving through the dense understory and mid-story vegetation. It typically forages in small, cohesive flocks of 3-10 individuals, often joining larger mixed-species foraging parties, gleaning insects and spiders f...
The Grey-faced Tit-Babbler is endemic to Southeast Asia, with its primary breeding and resident range extending across southern Vietnam, central and southern Laos, and eastern Cambodia. This species is non-migratory, maintaining a resident status throughout the year within these territories. It p...
Least Concern
- The Grey-faced Tit-Babbler was once considered a subspecies of the Striated Tit-Babbler (*Mixornis gularis*), but was elevated to full species status due to distinct vocalizations and morphological differences. - Despite its "babbler" name, it belongs to the family Pellorneidae, a group that in...