Tailor Bird Habitat

The tailor bird derives its name from the unique manner in which it constructs its nests. These are small birds, but strong singers that seem to expel sounds far greater than their size. Tailor birds are common within their range and can be observed flying in short, quick bursts, darting about trees and brush. Tailor birds are usually seen in pairs.

Facts

Tailor birds are mainly insect-eaters, although they will also consume small fruits, berries, nectar and tiny seeds. Tailor birds are around 5 inches in length, and weigh in at about 1/3 oz. Male birds grow extremely large tail feathers as part of their breeding plumage. This extra growth can put on an additional inch or more to the male's overall length.

Coloring

Males and females are very similarly colored with bright olive-green upper bodies and a more pale, cream-colored underside. Tailor birds have long tail feathers that they often point upward like wrens. Their wings are rounded and short. Immature tailor birds have a duller plumage than adults.

Range

Tailor birds are native to South Asia. They range from Pakistan and India to South China and Indonesia. In the mountains of Southwestern Asia, tailor birds have been seen up to an elevation of 5,200 feet.

Habitat

Mostly found on the edges of forests, tailor birds are also beginning to colonize in urban areas throughout their range. They are bold with humans and have become well adapted to people. Tailor birds can be found in parks, gardens, even on the balconies of high-rise buildings. They are also seen in scrubby and brushy areas as well as in open country, but they are not found in deep forests.

Breeding

Tailor bird breeding starts in January and can last through June. Females build unique nests by twisting and curling one or more live, green leaves together, then wrapping them with spider webs to hold the shape. Tailor birds are especially fond of the large leaves of the simpoh air tree, but will make do with what they have and will use up to three leaves for their nests. Once the leaves are wrapped, female tailor birds use their bills to punch holes along the edges, then lace spider webs, fine grass or other thin plant material through the holes and cinch up the nest, leaving the top open. They fill the inside with grass and make a tight, waterproof home. Clutches are usually two to five pastel blue eggs. Both parents share the responsibilities of feeding and caring for young birds.

References

• Naturia: Tailor Bird
• Oiseaux Birds: Common Tailorbird