Plain Prinia

Overview

The plain prinia (Prinia inornata), also known as the plain wren-warbler, is a small cisticolid warbler found throughout Southeast Asia. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is a resident breeder ranging from Pakistan and India to south China and Southeast Asia.

Identification

• 13–14 cm long bird with short rounded wings, a longish tail, strong legs, and a short black bill.
• Breeding plumage features grey-brown upperparts, a short white supercilium, rufous fringes on the closed wings, and whitish-buff underparts.
• Winter plumage is warmer brown above with more buff underparts and a longer tail; the sexes are identical.
• Song consists of a repetitive tlee-tlee-tlee.

Habitat

This species inhabits wet lowland grassland, open woodland, scrub, and occasionally gardens. Its range extends as a resident breeder from Pakistan and India through south China to Southeast Asia.

Diet

The plain prinia is insectivorous, as is typical for most warblers.

Did you know?

The endemic race found in Sri Lanka retains its summer plumage, including a shorter tail, throughout the year rather than undergoing the seasonal changes seen elsewhere.