Rufous Sibia
Heterophasia capistrata
黑顶奇鹛
Introduction
Species of bird in family Leiothrichidae. Found in northern Indian subcontinent across India, Nepal and Bhutan. Inhabits temperate forests of the Lower to Middle Himalayas. Diet consists of berries and insects. Characterized by rufous-dominated plumage with black head and often-raised crest. Vocalizations are vigorous and melodious.
Description
Medium-sized bird with predominantly rufous plumage throughout the body. Head is black in coloration. A prominent crest is frequently raised, giving the bird a distinctive profile. The combination of rufous body and black head makes this species highly distinctive among Himalayan forest birds.
Identification
Unmistakable appearance due to rufous-dominated plumage paired with black head. The raised crest is a key field mark. No similar species in its range shares this distinctive color pattern combination.
Distribution & Habitat
Northern Indian subcontinent ranging across India, Nepal and Bhutan. Inhabits temperate forests of the Lower to Middle Himalayas.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages primarily on berries and insects in forest canopy and mid-story. Social behavior includes being seen in pairs or small groups. Known for being a vigorous and melodious singer with complex vocalizations.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Heterophasia
- eBird Code
- rufsib1
Vocalizations
Subspecies (3)
-
Heterophasia capistrata bayleyi
eastern Himalayas (eastern Nepal to Sikkim, Bhutan, southern Tibet, and northern Assam)
-
Heterophasia capistrata capistrata
western Himalayas (Pakistan to Garhwal)
-
Heterophasia capistrata nigriceps
central Himalayas (Kumaon to central Nepal)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.