A comically endearing bird, this bulbous-headed creature sports a rich chestnut cap atop its brownish body. Its generously sized bill, almost comically large, adds to its distinctive appearance.

Meet the Spot-breasted parrot bill:

“Paradoxornis guttaticollis” by Jason Thompson from Bangkok, Thailand is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

The  spot-breasted parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis), measuring between 18 to 22 centimeters, is easily identifiable by its distinct features. It boasts a rufous crown and nape, along with rufescent-brown upperparts. Its face is predominantly white, adorned with a prominent black ear patch, while the throat and upper breast feature pointed blackish spots and streaks. Below, its plumage transitions to buff to pale buff tones. Notably, it sports a deep yellow bill.

Juveniles of this species tend to be paler above with a more rufescent hue and exhibit weaker throat spots.

This large parrotbill shares similarities with the Black-breasted Parrotbill, but can be differentiated by its white throat and pale underparts, in addition to distinct habitat preferences.

“Spot-breasted Parrotbill – Chiang Mai – Thailand_S4E9657” by fveronesi1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

In terms of distribution, the Large Parrotbill is found across a vast range, spanning from northeast India and northeast Bangladesh, across northern Burma, northwest Thailand, north Laos, and north Vietnam, and extending into much of south China, encompassing regions from Gansu and Shaanxi to Sichuan and Yunnan, and stretching eastward through Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian. It is generally widespread and fairly common within its habitat.

“spot-breasted parrotbill” by Christoph Moning is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

The Large Parrotbill is known to inhabit a variety of environments, including grasslands, scrublands, bamboo thickets, and abandoned plantations. Its altitudinal range extends from 900 to 2100 meters in India and from 350 to 3250 meters in China.

“spot-breasted parrotbill” by scaup is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Regarding its diet, the Large Parrotbill primarily feeds on insects and their larvae, as well as berries and seeds. During the breeding season, which typically occurs from April to July, it constructs a compact, deep cup-shaped nest fashioned from grasses and bamboo leaves. These nests are typically situated around 1 meter above the ground within reeds or bamboo clumps, and the female lays 2 to 4 eggs during this period.

“spot-breasted parrotbill” by Christoph Moning is licensed under CC BY 4.0. (cropped)

Nest is a very compact and deep cup-shaped structure, made from soft yellowish and other grasses, and bamboo leaves, usually plastered with cobwebs, and lined with finer yellowish (sometimes darker) strips of grass.

“Spot-breasted Parrotbill won’t come out!” by Eric Gropp is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This bird is regarded as of least concern on the IUCN red list.

“Spot-breasted Parrotbill (Paradoxornis guttaticollis)” by sussexbirder is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Listen to this bird’s unique song next: