Visayan Tailorbird Orthotomus castaneiceps Scientific name definitions

13 cm; 11–12 g (rabori). Typical tailorbird with graduated tail, relatively long bill slightly decurved towards tip; distinctive within range. Nominate race has top of head down to lores and below eye level bright reddish chestnut; rear nape and upper mantle grey, rest of upperparts, including upperwing, greyish green, concealed portions of wing brown; tail reddish brown, brighter greenish edging at base; malar region and chin whitish, throat and breast grey, streaked whitish, lower underparts greyish white, washed greenish yellow on flanks and undertail-coverts; feathered portion of tibia rusty rufous; iris chestnut-brown; maxilla dark brown, mandible flesh-horn; legs pink. Sexes similar. Juvenile presumed to have hood greenish, rather than rufous. Race rabori has mantle greyish and throat more heavily streaked (especially male).

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Song a loud, bubbly, rhythmic series of notes in two parts, which may be uttered continuously for a minute or more in varying sequences; song on Negros (rabori) has been rendered as “twee-pee twee-doo”, with more complex variations. When agitated, e.g. when mobbing a snake, reported as giving scolding “speeee”.

Reported Mar–May on Panay, and during Apr and May on Negros. Nest usually placed towards tip of branch or drooping fern frond in typical tailorbird fashion, with one or more leaves sewn together to form pouch; up to 10 m above ground but mostly lower, sometimes virtually at ground level. Clutch two or three eggs; no information available on incubation and nestling periods.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Relatively common at most forested sites on a large number of the islands which it inhabits. Greatly favoured by its tolerance of, or even preference for, secondary growth. Can be very difficult to observe, but reveals presence by persistent singing; reasonably inquisitive, and responds well to “pishing” and “squeaking” methods of attracting it.