Habitat
Dense reed thickets and mixed tall grassland, predominantly on wet substrates, along lowland river floodplains and adjacent hills, where it also occurs in grassy forest clearings. From sea-level - 900 m.
R Brahmaputra floodplains in north-eastern West Bengal, north-eastern Assam and immediately adjacent areas of Arunachal Pradesh, in north-eastern India. Contrary to some published reports, not present on Mt Victoria (western Myanmar).
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Loss and modification of tall grasslands and reedswamp throughout its limited range as a result of drainage, conversion to agriculture (primarily rice-paddy, mustard and tea plantations), overgrazing by domestic livestock, grass harvesting for thatch production and inappropriate grassland management within protected areas, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Generally in small flocks, except during the breeding season.
Voice
Gruff 'howh', 'jeehw' and 'jahw' notes, sometimes rhythmic series 'aw jahw jahw jahw' and 'uhwi uhwi uhwi uhwi'. Also higher-pitched series 'wi chi'chi'chi'chi'chi, wi yi'yi'yi'yi'yi'; 'wi'uwi-uwi-uwi wi chu-chu-chu'.
Black-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris) [XC292613]
by Ramit Singal from Siang Valley, India (call, song)
Black-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris) [XC292612]
by Ramit Singal from Siang Valley, India (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Formerly treated as conspecific with Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis) by some authors, but is morphometrically quite distinct and differs in vocalizations and, especially, in habitat requirements. Ranges of the two overlap (or formerly overlapped) in parts of north-eastern India, but they are ecologically separated.
Similar Species
Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis) has arrow-shaped spotting on breast and pale buff underparts.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet