Dusky Fulvetta

Overview

The dusky fulvetta (Schoeniparus brunneus) is a small bird species belonging to the family Pellorneidae, currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is found in China and Taiwan, where it inhabits temperate and subtropical forest environments at various altitudes.

Identification

• Length 13–13.5 cm with a slender, blackish bill and orangey-brown legs.
• Uniform brown wings and tail, with a rufous to orangey-brown crown bordered by fine black lines on the sides of the head.
• Grey cheeks and breast, a whitish throat edged with narrow black moustachial lines, and a pale grey to whitish belly.

Habitat

The species is found in China and Taiwan, typically at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1,900 metres, though it can sometimes be found down to sea level. Its natural habitat consists of low scrub in temperate forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.

Did you know?

The species is divided into five subspecies, including Schoeniparus brunneus brunneus in Taiwan and Schoeniparus brunneus argutus in Hainan, the latter having been described by Hartert in 1910.