Ashy Prinia

Overview

The ashy prinia, or ashy wren-warbler (Prinia socialis), is a small warbler in the family Cisticolidae and a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent. It is a common bird in urban gardens and farmlands, easily identified by its small size, distinctive colours, and upright tail posture.

Identification

• Length of 13–14 cm with short rounded wings and a longish graduated cream tail tipped with black subterminal spots.
• Tail is usually held upright and strong legs are used for clambering about and hopping on the ground.
• Short black bill; crown is grey and underparts are rufous in most plumages.
• Northern breeding adults feature an ash grey upper body, black crown and cheek with no supercilium, and coppery brown wings.

Habitat

Found in dry open grassland, open woodland, scrub, and home gardens in many cities across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, eastern Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and western Myanmar. The northern limit extends along the Himalayan foothills into the upper Indus river system, while the Sri Lankan population ranges from lowlands to hills up to 1,600 m.

Diet

Like most warblers, the ashy prinia is insectivorous. It forages in shrubbery and frequently visits the ground, often found singly or in pairs.

Did you know?

The bird is most easily distinguished by a loud snapping noise it produces during flight, likely caused by its wings beating against its constantly wagged tail.