Black-headed Sibia
NameBlack-headed Sibia
Common NameBlack-headed Sibia
Scientific NameHeterophasia melanoleuca
FamilyLeiothrichidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)37
Plumage DetailsFeatures a glossy black head and nape, sharply contrasting with pure white underparts. The upperparts are slate-grey to bluish-grey. Wings are black with a prominent white primary patch and white tips on the tertials. The tail is black with white tips.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include clear, whistling notes and chattering calls. Its song is often described as a series of 'twee-twee-twee' or 'chi-chi-chi' phrases, varying in pitch and rhythm.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas, extending from Nepal eastward through Bhutan, Northeast India, Myanmar, southern China (Yunnan, Sichuan), and northern Vietnam. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black head, Pure white underparts, Slate-grey back, Prominent white wing patch, Long, black tail with white tips
Description
The Black-headed Sibia is a striking medium-sized babbler characterized by its glossy black head, contrasting white underparts, and slate-grey back. It is an active and social bird, often seen foraging in the canopy of montane forests, sometimes in mixed-species flocks. Its movements are agile, flitting through branches in search of food.
