Hypocolius ampelinus Bonaparte, 1850

Scientific Naming

The grey hypocolius, scientific name Hypocolius ampelinus Bonaparte, 1850, is a slim bird species with a long tail, a slight crest, and a thick, short hook-tipped bill.

Body and Plumage Resemblance

Its body shape and soft, satiny plumage resemble those of the waxwing.

Base Plumage Coloration

Individuals are mainly a uniform grey or brownish-grey overall; males have a black triangular mask around their eyes.

Wing and Tail Markings

The species has white-tipped black primary wing feathers and a black terminal band on the tail.

Body Size

Adult grey hypocolius measure 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 in) in total length.

Crest Display Behavior

When the bird is excited, the feathers on its head are raised.

Locomotion Patterns

It flies in a straight, non-undulating pattern, and when hopping through shrubbery, it can look similar to a babbler.

Tarsus Characteristics

Its tarsus is short and sturdy, covered in coarse scales.

Bill and Nostril Features

Visible rictal bristles are present at the base of the bill, and the nostrils are exposed, small, and oval-shaped.

Overall Distribution Range

The grey hypocolius ranges across the Middle East.

Breeding Range

It breeds in the region encompassing Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.

Wintering Range

Most individuals winter near the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coasts of Arabia, including Bahrain.

Vagrant Occurrences (West)

The species is a vagrant in Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and Oman.

Vagrant Occurrences (South)

It is a regular winter visitor to the Kutch and Jamnagar region of western India, and vagrants have been recorded as far south as Kihim near Bombay.

Arid Habitat Preferences

It inhabits woodland and scrub in arid and semiarid regions, especially river valleys near deserts.

Anthropogenic and Coastal Habitats

It can also be found in irrigated and cultivated areas with trees, sea coastal areas, palm groves, and gardens.