Ashy Minivet

Ashy Minivet

Scientific Name: Pericrocotus divaricatus

Malay Name: Burung-Matahari Kelabu Biasa

Chinese Name: 灰山椒鸟

Range: Breeding Range: (EU) se Siberia, ne China, Korea, Japan and islands to Taiwan Nonbreeding Range: Southeast Asia

Taxonomy: Monotypic.

Size: 18.5-20 cm

Identification: Male has black hindcrown, ear coverts that extends over nape. Rest of head and the narrow half collar white, underparts white, and upperparts generally light slate-grey, edges of remiges and greater coversts darker grey. Female has body plumage similar to male except slightly paler. Female plumage on head differs from male replacing all black with grey, except on lores and forehead. 

Similar looking species: Pied Triller

Habitat: Migrant that is often seen in foraging in more open woodland habitat in Singapore, regularly sighted in parks. 

Behaviour/Ecology: Typically perches high on tree canopy. Observers usually alerted to its presence by its trilling calls. 

Local Status: Common migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2018)

Location: Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Southern Ridges, Pasir Ris Park, Ulu Pandan Park Connector and other wooded areas. 

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus
Estimated average number of individuals by week based on eBird data, Jul 2014 to Jun 2024
Peak week Dec 24-Dec 30
Early date 13 Sep 1992
Late date 30 Apr 2012
A gregarious bird, usually seen moving around parks and gardens in small parties. After learning its call you will soon find that it's basically everywhere!

References:

BirdLife International. (2018). Pericrocotus divaricatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22706735A130428286.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

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