Scaly-breasted Cupwing
Jagdish Singh Negi · CC_BY_4_0 via GBIF

Scaly-breasted Cupwing

Pnoepyga albiventer

鳞胸鹪鹛

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Introduction

Species of bird in the Pnoepygidae family. Found in southern and eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Indochina. Inhabits subtropical moist montane forest, typically near water sources. Very small babbler with almost no tail. Undertakes altitudinal migration, moving to lower elevations during winter.

Description

A very small babbler with an almost non-existent tail, measuring approximately 9 cm in length and weighing between 19 and 23 g. The upperparts display olive-colored plumage, while the underparts show light scalloping on the chest.

Distribution & Habitat

Range extends across southern and eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Indochina. Inhabits subtropical moist montane forest environments, typically found near water sources. The species practices altitudinal migration, moving to lower elevations closer to sea level during winter months.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

Order
Passeriformes
Family
Pnoepygidae
Genus
Pnoepyga
eBird Code
scbcup3

Subspecies (3)

  • Pnoepyga albiventer albiventer

    Himalayas of Nepal to Assam, northern Myanmar, southwestern China, and northern Vietnam

  • Pnoepyga albiventer mutica

    south-central China

  • Pnoepyga albiventer pallidior

    Himalayas (eastern Punjab to western 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.