Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala is a large alcippe (25 percent larger than other alcippe species), ranging from India to Southeast Asia, with alearis in southern Yunnan (Xishuangbanna). Common in understory and undergrowth of broadleaved evergreen forests, mainly in lowlands. Usually in busy flocks, sometimes with other species, feeding on insects and berries. Has grey crown and nape, narrow black lateral crown-stripe (from above eye to side of hindneck), greyish-brown upperparts, and distinctive greyish-brown head sides. Wings and tail brown; underparts buffy. Lacks eye-ring. Juvenile has warmer upperparts, flanks, and vent. Bill grey; feet and iris brownish-grey. Sweet, musical song of several syllables, continuously repeated; nervous, raspy buzzes and twitters. — Craig Brelsford
THE ALCIPPE FULVETTAS OF CHINA
shanghaibirding.com covers every species in the family Alcippeidae in China. Click any link below:
Brown-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe poioicephala
Nepal Fulvetta A. nipalensis
David’s Fulvetta A. davidi
Huet’s Fulvetta A. hueti
Yunnan Fulvetta A. fratercula
See also this Taiwan endemic:
Grey-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daniel Bengtsson served as chief ornithological consultant for Craig Brelsford’s Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of China, from which this species description is drawn.
