Common Woodshrike

Overview

The common woodshrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) is a small bird species found across Asia. It is currently classified within the family Vangidae and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Dully ashy brown plumage with a large head and a strong, hooked beak.
• Distinctive facial markings including a broad creamy brow and a dark cheek patch.
• White outer tail feathers that contrast sharply with the dark central tail.
• Loud whistling song composed of several rapid notes, often accompanied by a plaintive 'weet-weet' call followed by quick 'whi-whi-whi-whee' sounds.

Habitat

Found mainly in thin forest and scrub habitats across Asia. The species' range includes Pakistan, northwest and east India, south Laos, Cambodia, and south Vietnam, excluding Sri Lanka which is now considered a separate species.

Diet

Feeds primarily on insects, sometimes including berries, by gleaning along branches and leaves within trees. It may also make aerial sallies or descend to the ground for food and often joins mixed flocks of other insectivorous birds.

Did you know?

The bird exhibits a habit of adjusting its wings by raising them over the tail shortly after alighting on a perch.