Rufous-tailed Tailorbird Orthotomus sericeus Scientific name definitions

12–13.5 cm; c. 7 g. Rather short-tailed tailorbird with relatively long bill slightly decurved towards tip, bright chestnut hood contrasting with strikingly white throat, and rufous tail. Male nominate subspecies has top of head down to lores and just below eye level rufous-chestnut; lower nape and upperparts, including upperwing, dark ashy gray, tail uniformly rufous; buffy white lower ear-coverts sharply demarcated from rufous of hood; throat and underparts creamy white, faintly washed cinnamon on breast, flanks and undertail coverts, breast variably streaked gray; feathered portion of tibia rusty; iris crimson to reddish brown; maxilla dark brown, mandible pinkish horn; legs pale pinkish. Female differs from male only in having variable black subterminal and shaft markings on tail (most marked on central feathers). Juvenile is olive-brown above, with only hint of rufous on crown, wing feathers fringed brighter green, tail dull rufous with extensive blackish markings (more than on adult female); underparts creamy, variably washed with pale yellow. Subspecies vary in overall tone of plumage .

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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.

Forest edges and clearings in lowlands (to 400 m), especially open scrubby places; locally in overgrown gardens, shrubby cultivation and mangroves. Avoids heavy forest, even secondary forest unless extensive undergrowth present.

Resident.

Food very small insects. Forages alone or in pairs. Far more often heard than seen; keeps very much to low undergrowth. Has curious hunting technique: observed to spend long periods of time absolutely still, then suddenly to shoot forward to capture an insect after a sudden fast run along a branch. Often on ground, where hops with tail held cocked high over back. Even when flying between bushes, tail is flicked and switched so high that bird seems almost to overbalance.

Song a loud, rapidly repeated series of couplets, with slightly more emphasis on first note, e.g. as rapid repetition of “kon-tiki” or “chop-wur, chik-wir, pu-churr, tee-cher” and so on; partners often sing in duet, with second bird (presumed female) joining in by adding a monotonously repeated shorter note. Calls include high, somewhat wheezy “tzee-tzee-tzee…”, possibly a contact note uttered by foraging pairs; sharp “twip-twip-twip” and scolding “speee-speee-speee” also recorded.

Nesting reported in Jan–Aug in SE Asia, Feb–Jun in Philippines and May–Jul on Borneo. Nest pouch constructed by sewing two or more leaves together, sometimes just one large leaf folded over (may be better, as curvature of leaf allows water to run off “roof”), sewing materials include cobweb, plant fibres and cocoon threads, bird pierces a hole in leaf and then pushes and pulls the thread through; materials fray easily, and frayed ends act as knot to prevent thread from coming through the little hole; if a hole tears, construction is abandoned and another started, until pouch is suitable for nest itself to be finished; nest-site close to ground, usually below 1 m. Clutch two or three eggs; no information on incubation and nestling periods.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Relatively common at most lowland forested sites both on mainland and on a large number of the islands which it inhabits. Greatly favoured by its preference for scrubby cover and secondary habitats. Despite shy reputation, this species seems to become bolder and more easily observed around villages.