| Rufous-headed tailorbird | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Cettiidae |
| Genus: | Phyllergates |
| Species: | P. heterolaemus |
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllergates heterolaemus Mearns, 1905 | |
 | |
| Synonyms | |
Orthotomus heterolaemus | |
Therufous-headed tailorbird (Phyllergates heterolaemus) is a species of bird in the familyCettiidae.It is found only in thePhilippines on the island ofMindanao.Its naturalhabitats are in tropical moistmontane forest.
EBird describes the bird as "A small, long-billed, long-tailed bird of montane forest and scrub on Mindanao, with an olive back, wings, and tail, a yellow belly, a rufous head, and a pale buff throat and chest. Often cocks its tail. Juvenile has an olive rather than rufous head. Similar in shape and habits to other tailorbirds on Mindanao, but occurs at higher elevations, and has a yellow belly and rufous head. Song consists of very short, well spaced, varied phrases of fairly long, high-pitched piping notes."[2]
It was formerly conspecific with theMountain tailorbird but differs greatly in plumage.
Diet is presusmed to be tiny invertebrates. Typically seen in pairs or small family parties deep within tangled vegetation. Relative to theMountain tailorbird, it does not cock its tail as much.
No information is known about its breeding.
The species inhabits forest understorey and edge, second growth and grassy clearings at altitude over 1,000 meters above sea level. TheIUCN has assessed this speciesLeast Concern. Despite its limited range, it is said to be locally common. However, its population is declining. It is still affected byhabitat loss through deforestation, mining,land conversion andslash-and-burn. Relative to lowland forest, Mindanao's montane forest has stayed relatively intact due to its relative inaccessibility and ruggedness.[3]
