Range: Himalayas area of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Assam.
Habitat: Undergrowth of mountain forests.
Description: Beak and forehead are bright yellow; large cheek patch behind the eye is silvery-white; crown and sides of face down to lower sides of neck are black; rust colored collar across nape and chin and throat that shade into soft olive and then gray; rump and tail coverts are brilliant red on the male and duller on the female; primary flight feathers are edged in bright yellow to dark rust-orange, secondary flights have small yellowish bar near secondary coverts and deep red band starts below wing bend and the rest of the wing color is grayish-olive to gray; long square tail is dull black.
Adaptations/Habitat: Their flight is swift and they dive to lower parts of trees, especially fir and spruce, which they search for insects along the twigs and branches. They are lively birds and, except during breeding season, they congregate into large groups. During breeding season the male can be heard singing his magnificent and varied song. They build nests that are basin shaped and made of leaves and moss lined with softer material. Although primarily insect eaters, they are known for stealing eggs from other birds, particularly finches, to eat and to feed to their young.
Breeding/Growth:
Diet: Insectivores that also eat eggs of other birds, small quantities of seeds and soft fruits. They are also fond of nectar.
