Nestled within the Sylviiɗae family of birds is the resplendent Whιte-bɾowed Fᴜlvettɑ (Fᴜlvettɑ vιnιpectᴜs). This small fᴜlvettɑ, adorned with rich shades of brown, a distinct dark mask, and striking white sᴜpeɾcιlιᴜm, is a true marvel of nature. Its forehead, nape, and crown boast a warm brown hue tinged with a subtle touch of grey, bordered by a blackish-brown lateral crown stripe that extends from above the eye to above the ear coverts. The mantle and the sides of the neck tend to be lighter and grayer than the crown, while the rest of the bird showcases a captivating blend of browns, blacks, oranges, and greys, culminating in a pinkish to purplish-tinged chest.
The juvenile, with a ruddier upper side than the adult, displays less distinct lateral crown stripes and paler flanks.
Spanning across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, these birds inhabit altitudes exceeding 2300m in the Himalayas (2000m in China), making their home in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Within their range, these avian wonders prefer to dwell in temperate forests.
The Whιte-bɾowed Fᴜlvettɑ’s diet predominantly consists of insects during the breeding season, with caterpillars ranking among their favorites. Additionally, they have a penchant for berries and small seeds during other times of the year.
The breeding season occurs from April to July in the Himalayas and from May to June in China. Their nest, a bulky and deep cup, is meticulously constructed using dry grasses, bamboo leaves, moss, rootlets, fibers, and bark. It is strategically positioned in a bush or bamboo, approximately 0.9 to 2 meters above the ground. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs within the nest.
