Genus DumetiaBlyth, 1852 Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Timaliidae Scientific name Dumetia hyperythra Higher classification Dumetia Order Passerine | |
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Similar Indian scimitar babbler, Dark‑fronted babbler, Naga wren‑babbler, Visayan miniature babbler, Mindanao miniature babbler | ||
Tawny bellied babbler
The tawny-bellied babbler (Dumetia hyperythra) also known in older Indian works as the rufous-bellied babbler is a small babbler that forages in groups in low scrub forests. Like other members of the large Old World babbler family they are passerine birds characterised by soft fluffy plumage. Found in small groups that skulk inside scrub, three subspecies are recognized in South Asia. The nominate hyperythra and albogularis found in India and phillipsi of Sri Lanka
Contents
- Tawny bellied babbler
- Tawny bellied babbler dumetia hyperythra call with video
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Behaviour
- References
Tawny bellied babbler dumetia hyperythra call with video
Description
The tawny-bellied babbler is a small babbler at 13 cm including its long tail. It is dark brown above and orange-buff below, with a rufous grey crown. The feathers on the forehead are stiff and the tail has cross rays and is otherwise olive brown. The throat is white in the populations of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan population however has a larger beak and paler underparts.
Distribution and habitat
The babbler is a resident breeding bird in India, Sri Lanka and southwest Nepal. Its habitat is scrub and tall grassland.
Behaviour
The babbler builds its nest in a bush, concealed in dense masses of foliage. The normal clutch is three or four eggs. Like most babblers, it is not migratory, and has short rounded wings and a weak flight. It feeds mainly on insects and nectar.The vocalisation patterns are distinct among the subspecies
