Dark-backed Sibia

The dark-backed sibia (Heterophasia melanoleuca) is a bird species in the family Leiothrichidae. In former times it was included the black-headed sibia, H. desgodinsi. Together with most other sibias, it is sometimes separated in the genus Malacias. It is found in China, Myanmar and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Heterophasia melanoleuca is the scientific name used in the project list. (Wikipedia, general species account).

Babblers and their close allies are generally active passerines of forest, scrub or undergrowth. Many travel in pairs, family parties or mixed-species flocks while searching foliage, bark and leaf litter for invertebrates, sometimes adding fruit or seeds. Voice and social behaviour are often useful identification clues. These are family-level notes rather than Vietnam-specific breeding measurements (general babbler ecology). Regional observations can refine these broad expectations.