Asian Stubtail

Overview

The Asian stubtail, Urosphena squameiceps, is a small bird classified within the family Cettiidae. First described by Robert Swinhoe in 1863, it is currently considered to be of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small body size with a notably short tail.
• Brown plumage overall, featuring paler underparts, a darker brown crest, and a distinct eyeline.
• Males, females, and fledged juveniles are similar in appearance.
• Breeding males emit a high-pitched 'shee-shee-shee-shee' or 'cee-cee-cee' call, while both sexes produce a 'chott-chott-chott' sound.

Habitat

The species breeds in Northeast Asia and Japan, and its natural habitat consists of temperate forests. It specifically prefers the undergrowth of evergreen broadleaf or lowland coniferous forests. Non-breeding populations are found in Hainan, Taiwan, southeastern China, and Indochina.

Did you know?

Despite its common name suggesting a specific tail morphology, the species is characterised by a short tail and a darker brown crest that contrasts with its general brown plumage.