So Cute Ashy Minivet Bird

yujinland3 (75)in #photography • last month

The Ashy Minivet is a captivating bird species belonging to the Campephagidae family, which includes cuckoo-shrikes and minivets. Known for its striking appearance and unique behavior, this bird is a subject of interest for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike. Found across a broad geographical range in Asia, the Ashy Minivet has distinct characteristics that make it a fascinating species to study and observe.
Physical Description
The Ashy Minivet is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 20 centimeters in length. It is easily identifiable by its ashy-grey plumage, from which it derives its name. The male Ashy Minivet exhibits a darker grey color on the upperparts, including the head, back, and wings, with a contrasting lighter grey or white underparts. The female, on the other hand, tends to have a slightly duller and paler coloration compared to the male, but retains the same general color pattern. Both sexes have blackish wings with a striking white wing bar, which is particularly noticeable in flight. The tail is long and slightly forked, adding to the bird's elegant appearance.
Habitat and Distribution
The Ashy Minivet is widely distributed across East and Southeast Asia. Its range extends from the Russian Far East, through China, Korea, and Japan, down to the Malay Peninsula and the Philippines. It inhabits a variety of forested environments, including deciduous and evergreen forests, secondary growth, and even wooded urban areas. During the breeding season, the Ashy Minivet prefers dense, mature forests, while in the non-breeding season, it can be found in more open habitats.
Behavior and Diet
Ashy Minivets are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They are known for their agile and acrobatic flight, which they use to catch insects in mid-air. Their diet mainly consists of insects and other small invertebrates, such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They are also known to consume berries and other small fruits, especially during the winter months when insect prey is less abundant.