White-breasted Parrotbill

The white-breasted parrotbill is a chunky, large-headed bird with a deep, parrot-like bill and relatively short tail. Its rich rufous head and upperparts contrast with a clean white throat and breast. It closely resembles Rufous-headed and Pale-billed Parrotbills, but is generally brighter and whiter below. Calls include loud sputtering chatter, while the song descends through four or five clear whistles (eBird species account; BirdsandMe general species account).

It ranges from the eastern Himalayas through Myanmar and Laos to Vietnam, occupying moist lowland and montane forest. Small flocks forage through bamboo clusters and may also enter reedbeds or tall grass, sometimes associating with other species. The diet combines plant material with small invertebrates, handled by the stout bill. It was formerly treated as conspecific with Rufous-headed Parrotbill, so older references may apply that broader name to these populations (Wikipedia; eBird species account).