Black-breasted Parrotbill

Overview

The black-breasted parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris) is a large, thick-billed parrotbill currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This species is now probably endemic to north-eastern India, having historically occupied a much wider range across northern India and Bangladesh.

Identification

• Approximately 19 cm long with a thick bill and a generally brown plumage.
• Features an extensive black area on the upper breast and head sides, contrasting with uniform rufous-buff underparts.
• Vocalisations include gruff calls such as 'howh' or 'jeehw', and rhythmic songs like 'aw jahw jahw jahw' or higher-pitched 'wi chi'chi'chi'chi'.

Habitat

Inhabits dense reed thickets and mixed tall grasslands dominated by Phragmites karka and Arundo donax on wet substrates. The range is currently restricted to the plains of the Brahmaputra valley and adjacent foothills in north-eastern India, with an upper elevation limit of about 150 m.

Did you know?

The species was formerly found at altitudes up to at least 900 m but is now restricted to the plains, with an upper elevation limit of approximately 150 m.