Ashy Minivet

Overview

The ashy minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus) is a passerine bird in the cuckooshrike family found in eastern Asia. Unlike most other minivets, which feature yellow, orange, or red plumage, this species displays only shades of grey, white, and black. It is the longest-distance migrant among its genus.

Identification

• 18.5–20 cm long with a black bill and feet.
• Male has a grey upper body, whitish underparts, a black cap, white forehead, white flight-feather bands, and white outer tail feathers.
• Female has a grey cap with a black band between the bill and eye, and a narrow white band above it.
• Call is a high-pitched, metallic trill.

Habitat

Breeds in south-east Siberia, north-east China, Korea, and Japan, while wintering in South and South-east Asia as far south as Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines. Found in forests as well as more open areas with scattered trees. Migrant birds are often seen in large flocks.

Diet

Forages for insects in the tree canopy, often joining mixed-species foraging flocks along with other minivets.

Did you know?

The ashy minivet is one of the few passerine birds that moults its primaries twice in a year. It was first recorded in Sri Lanka in January 2026.