Graceful Prinia

Overview

The graceful prinia (Prinia gracilis) is a small warbler, also known as the streaked wren-warbler in some regions, that serves as a resident breeder in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. It is an active passerine that is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small warbler measuring 10–11 cm with short rounded wings and a long tapering tail where each feather is tipped with black and white.
• Breeding adults are grey-brown above with dark streaking, while underparts are whitish with buff flanks; the bill is short and black.
• The call is a rolling trilled breep, and the song consists of a hard rolling repetition of zerlip.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats featuring thick undergrowth, shrubs, tall grass, tamarisks, or similar cover. Its range spans northeastern Africa, including the Nile valley, and southern Asia, from Egypt and Somalia east to Saudi Arabia.

Diet

Like most warblers, the graceful prinia is insectivorous.

Did you know?

The long tail of this species is often cocked, and its flight is notably weak.