Dark-fronted Babbler

Overview

The dark-fronted babbler, Dumetia atriceps, is an Old World babbler native to the Western Ghats of India and the forests of Sri Lanka. Classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it is a resident bird with a weak flight, typically found in forest undergrowth or on forest edges.

Identification

• Measures 13 cm including a square-tipped tail.
• Brown above with a white underside and pale yellow iris.
• Western Ghats subspecies possess black hoods, whereas Sri Lankan races feature a dark bandit mask.
• Emits characteristic rattling churr alarm calls when disturbed.

Habitat

Found in the Western Ghats of India and the forests of Sri Lanka, specifically inhabiting the undergrowth of forests or the edges of forests in more open growth. It is a resident species within its range and can be difficult to observe due to the dense vegetation it prefers.

Diet

Feeds mainly on insects, foraging in parties by clampering up vegetation. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks and, when disturbed, tends to drop from the topmost perches of bushes into the undergrowth.

Did you know?

In addition to nesting for reproduction, the species constructs unlined dormitory nests within which birds may sometimes roost.