About Alcippe castaneceps (Hodgson, 1837)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The rufous-winged fulvetta, scientifically named Alcippe castaneceps (also referenced as Schoeniparus castaneceps), is a bird species belonging to the family Pellorneidae. Its common name is misleading, since it is not a close relative of "typical" fulvettas, which are currently classified in the genus Fulvetta. Until recently, the black-crowned fulvetta (S. klossi) was treated as a subspecies of the rufous-winged fulvetta.
Size
This species measures 11 cm in length.
Plumage
It has a dark-streaked chestnut crown, a white supercilium, brown upperparts, and pale underparts. Its wings show a striking contrast between bright rufous primary feathers and black coverts.
Vocalizations
The rufous-winged fulvetta is a noisy species. It has a rich warbled ti-du-di-du-di-du-di-du song and a wheezy tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi call.
Habitat and Feeding
It is common in evergreen montane forests located above 1200 m above sea level, and often feeds on vertical tree trunks.
