Rufous-tailed Tailorbird
Orthotomus sericeus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Rufous-tailed Tailorbird is a small bird with a bright chestnut hood and rufous tail. The upperparts are dark ashy grey, while its throat and underparts are creamy white, with a slight cinnamon wash on the breast and flanks. It has a relatively long, slightly curved bill and pinkish legs.
Males and females appear nearly identical, except females have black markings on their tail feathers. Juveniles have olive-brown upperparts with a subtle rufous crown, and their tails are duller with black markings. They also show a creamy underside with a pale yellow tinge.
Size
Length
10cm to 13.5cm
Wingspan
14cm to 16cm
Weight
6g to 9g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Rufous
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rufous-tailed Tailorbirds inhabit tropical and subtropical lowland forests, secondary growth, and forest edges across Southeast Asia. They are found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
These birds are year-round residents in their range, showing no significant seasonal movements. They adapt well to various forest types but prefer areas with dense understory vegetation.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,550 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Rufous-tailed Tailorbird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile, as evidenced by their constant movement through dense vegetation and ability to hang upside down whilst foraging. Their small size and adaptability in navigating through complex forest understory demonstrates remarkable manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Though small, they possess surprisingly strong legs for their size, enabling them to hang in various positions while foraging. Their ability to manipulate plant fibres and spider silk for nest construction shows decent strength relative to their tiny size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows excellent adaptability through their presence in various forest types, from primary rainforest to secondary growth and urban edges. Their year-round breeding capability and flexible foraging strategies further demonstrate strong adaptive traits.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst small, they display notable territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding season. They vigorously defend their territories and show bold, inquisitive behaviour towards larger creatures, including humans.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through constant foraging activity and their ability to maintain territories year-round. Their successful colonisation of habitats up to 1500 metres elevation suggests robust stamina for their size.
Diet
The Rufous-tailed Tailorbird primarily feeds on small insects and spiders. It forages by methodically searching through leaves and branches, often hanging upside down to reach prey on the undersides of foliage. Occasionally, it may also consume small berries or fruit.
Behaviour
Rufous-tailed Tailorbirds are agile and restless, constantly moving through dense vegetation in search of insects. They often forage in pairs or small family groups, gleaning prey from leaves and branches.
These birds are known for their bold and inquisitive nature, sometimes approaching human observers with curiosity.
Vocalisation
The Rufous-tailed Tailorbird has a loud, distinctive call often described as a repeated 'cheeup-cheeup-cheeup' or 'tee-tee-tee'.
During territorial disputes or when alarmed, they may produce a rapid series of harsh chattering sounds. Their vocalisations are an important tool for locating these often-hidden birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs year-round in most of their range, with peaks during the local dry season. Pairs form strong, monogamous bonds and defend their territories vigorously.
True to their name, these tailorbirds construct remarkable nests by 'sewing' large leaves together using plant fibres or spider silk. The nest is a deep cup lined with soft materials, usually hidden in dense foliage.
The female typically lays 2-3 eggs, which are white with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties for about 12 days and continue to care for the young after hatching.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Rufous-tailed Tailorbird is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving its rainforest and woodland habitats across Southeast Asia.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for movement in the mid to lower levels of forest undergrowth
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched calls
- Observe their characteristic tail-cocking behaviour
- Be patient, as they often remain hidden in dense foliage
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
CisticolidaeAverage Lifespan
3 years
Predators
Main predators include small raptors, snakes, and arboreal mammals such as squirrels and civets. Nest predation by larger birds and monitor lizards is also a threat.
Did You Know?
- Rufous-tailed Tailorbirds can sew leaves together to build their nests using their beaks as needles.
- They have exceptionally strong legs for their size, allowing them to hang upside down while foraging.
- These birds play a role in pest control by consuming large numbers of insects in their habitats.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Orthotomus sericeus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22714997A263897312.
View source - 2
report, 1997: Baker
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