Black-throated Prinia Prinia atrogularis Scientific name definitions

A small, predominantly dull-colored passerine with an almost comically long tail, the Black-throated Prinia inhabits open grassy hillsides and scrubby forest clearings from eastern Nepal through northeast India to southern China. Like many members of the family Cisticolidae, this species’ presence is most frequently betrayed by its buzzy vocalizations, szelik, szelik, szelik, which at times are repeated incessantly. When seen, this species is unique among the prinias for combining a jet-black throat in breeding plumage contrasting with a white submoustachial, and olive-gray upperparts. This species has formerly been considered conspecific with Rufous-crowned Prinia (Prinia khasiana) and Hill Prinia (Prinia superciliaris), from which it is distinguished on plumage and vocal characteristics. Throughout its range, the Black-throated Prinia is common and often benefits from mild habitat degradation, meaning that is not considered to be of any conservation concern.