Ashy prinia

Prinia socialis

Photo by J.M. Garg (Wikipedia)

Common name:
ashy prinia (en); fuinha-cinzenta (pt); prinia cendrée (fr); prinia ahumada (de); rostbauchprinie (de)


Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Cisticolidae


Range:
This species is found across India and in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and western Myanmar.


Size:
These birds are 13-14 cm long and weigh 7-10 g.


Habitat:
The ashy prinia is found in dry open grasslands, in open woodland, scrublands and in urban parks and gardens. They can also be found in mangroves, agricultural areas and various wetlands.


Diet:
They eat various insects.


Breeding:
Ashy prinias can breed all year round, but mostly after the monsoons. They are believed to be monogamous. The nest is made by stitching leaves together with webs and hair, and placed close to the ground in a scrub or tall grass. The female lays 3-5 brick-red or chestnut eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for 12 days. The chicks are fed by both parents.


Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be locally common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.