Chestnut-crested Yuhina

Fascinating facts about the Chestnut-crested Yuhina

• Deep in the forests of Borneo, a tiny bird weighing just 10 grams makes its home, with a population estimated to be around 2,500 individuals in 2020.
• Every morning, flocks of these birds forage for food, covering a distance of up to 5 kilometres in search of nectar, insects, and fruits to sustain themselves throughout the day.
• Measuring around 12 centimetres in length, the Chestnut-crested Yuhina has a distinctive crest on its head, which it raises and lowers to communicate with other birds, particularly during the breeding season that typically occurs from March to August.
• According to a study published in 2018, the Chestnut-crested Yuhina's diet consists of over 50% nectar, making it one of the highest nectar consumers among bird species, with some individuals visiting over 100 flowers in a single day.
• With a limited range of approximately 15,000 square kilometres, conservation efforts are necessary to protect the Chestnut-crested Yuhina and its habitat, as its population is projected to decline by up to 30% in the next decade due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

At a glance

About the Chestnut-crested Yuhina

The Chestnut-crested Yuhina (Staphida everetti) is a striking small passerine, adorned with a distinctive chestnut crest that contrasts against its predominantly greyish plumage. This vibrant crown, coupled with a short tail and a delicate, slender beak, gives the bird a charming yet sophisticated appearance. Found primarily in the montane forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in the Himalayas and the mountainous regions of northern Myanmar and Thailand, these birds thrive in the dense understory and mid-canopy layers where they forage among the foliage. Their social nature often leads them to form loose flocks, flitting through the trees with an energetic agility that showcases their lively behavior. They are known for their melodious calls, which echo through the forests, creating a symphony of sounds that adds to the rich tapestry of their habitat. Dietarily, the Chestnut-crested Yuhina primarily feeds on insects and fruits, exhibiting a remarkable adaptability in their foraging techniques, often gleaning tiny invertebrates from the undersides of leaves or probing into flower blossoms for nectar. One surprising trait of this species is its cooperative breeding behavior; unlike many birds, Yuhinas are known to engage in alloparental care, where non-breeding individuals help raise the young of breeding pairs, enhancing their chances of survival in the competitive and often perilous montane ecosystem. This intriguing social dynamic not only strengthens their communal bonds but also ensures the continuation of their lineage amidst the challenges posed by their environment and predators lurking in the shadows of the forest canopy.

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