Types of Birds: Prinia
Yellow-bellied Prinia |
The Prinia is a slender warbler characterized by its long, graduated tail and thin bill, found across regions from Africa to Southeast Asia. In our area, the Yellow-bellied Prinia is among the most commonly encountered species, as it prefers open grasslands and agricultural areas which are usually close to human settlements.
This bird is easily identified by its striking bright yellow underparts, which contrast with its olive-brown upperparts, whitish throat, and sometimes a small white speck in front of the eye. Its calls comprise of slurred whistling notes and a sort of mewing sound are often heard from within tall grasses, can help distinguish it from other warblers sharing the same habitat. This bird builds a purse-shaped nest made of thin plant fibers, attached to a grass stalk.
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Nest of Yellow-bellied Prinia |
In denser, well-wooded habitats such as forest edges and plantations, the Rufescent Prinia replaces the Yellow-bellied Prinia. Unlike its open country counterpart, the Rufescent Prinia lacks bright colors in its plumage and tends to remain hidden among bamboo stands and thick vegetation, where it hunts for tiny insects, gleaning them from foliage using its slender bill. Occasionally, it may be spotted singing from a semi-open perch before swiftly retreating into cover.
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Rufescent Prinia |