Passeriformes / Paradoxornithidae / Suthora
Vinous-throated Parrotbill
Suthora webbiana · 棕头鸦雀
Introduction
A species of parrotbill in the family Paradoxornithidae, currently placed in the genus Suthora. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and other wooded areas across East Asia. The species is highly social, forming large winter flocks, and adapts to human-modified habitats.
Description
Measures 11–12.5 cm (4.3–4.9 in) in length. Males weigh 8.5–11 g (0.30–0.39 oz); females weigh 7–12 g (0.25–0.42 oz). Features a graduated tail and a short bill with nostrils concealed by feather bristles. Plumage is similar in both sexes: warm brown upperparts, dark brown wings tinged with chestnut on flight feathers, and rufescent brown crown and forehead. The upper breast and throat are pinkish-cream with brown streaks on the throat. Flanks are buffy, belly is cream-buff. Iris is pale grey; bill is slate grey or brown with a paler or yellow tip.
Identification
Distinguished by its small size, long graduated tail, and short bill with concealed nostrils. Key markings include warm brown upperparts, pinkish-cream throat with brown streaks, and rufescent brown crown. In Sichuan, it is replaced at 1,000 m by the ashy-throated parrotbill, with which it may hybridize.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Range extends from northern Vietnam to southern Manchuria. Habitats include open wooded areas, scrub, secondary woodland, forest edges, thickets, bamboo stands, hedges, reeds, marshes, tea plantations, and plant nurseries. In Taiwan, occurs from sea level to 3,100 m (10,200 ft).
Behavior & Ecology
Highly social, usually encountered in groups. Flock sizes vary seasonally, smallest during breeding and increasing to up to 140 individuals in winter. Winter flocks in Taiwan consist of core members, regular members, floaters, and peripheral members. Large winter flock ranges may overlap, but flocks retain cohesion when passing close together.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Paradoxornithidae
- Genus
- Suthora
Taxonomy Changes
Sinosuthora webbiana → Suthora webbiana
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Vocalizations
Subspecies (6)
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Suthora webbiana bulomacha
Taiwan
Data Sources
CBR Notes: 由Sinosuthora属移入Suthora属（Cai et al. 2019）
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.
