Yellow-eyed Babbler

The yellow-eyed babbler (Chrysomma sinense) is a passerine bird found primarily in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It inhabits regions ranging from India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Southeast Asia. It measures about 18-23 cm (7-9 in) in length. This bird is distinguished by its distinctive yellow eyes and a prominent white eyebrow stripe. It has a reddish-brown back and creamy white underparts, giving the bird a contrasting look. The bill a black and slightly curved, and its legs are yellow. It has a typical babbler-like appearance, but its closest relatives are the parrotbills.

The yellow-eyed babbler frequents a variety of habitats, including grasslands, scrublands, and cultivated areas. It is often found in lowland regions, where it navigates dense vegetation. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates, which it forages by hopping and gleaning through the undergrowth. The bird also consumes seeds and small fruits, especially during the dry season when insect prey is less abundant. The yellow-eyed babbler often feeds in pairs or small family groups, using its sharp eyesight to spot prey.

Breeding season for the yellow-eyed babbler typically occurs from March to November, varying slightly based on geographic location. A breeding pair constructs a cup-shaped nest out of grass and leaves, often lined with fine roots and hair. These nests are usually placed low in shrubs or tall grasses. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish-blue with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share the duties of incubation, which lasts around 12-14 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed by both parents and fledge approximately two weeks later.

The yellow-eyed babbler is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not immediately threatened. However, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development poses a potential risk to local populations.