How to identify the Common Tailorbird

To correctly identify the Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

10-14 cm

Wingspan

15-18 cm

Weight

6-10 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Upperparts are bright olive-green, underparts are whitish to pale buff. The crown is rufous (chestnut-red), extending to the nape. The throat and upper breast are whitish, often with a faint dusky wash. The flanks are greyish-buff. The tail is relatively long, often held cocked, and has white tips on the outer tail feathers, which are visible in flight or when fanned.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Slender, slightly decurved, pointed bill, dark horn-colored.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Pale yellowish-white to creamy white.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pinkish-brown to flesh-colored.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Rufous crown, olive-green upperparts, whitish underparts, and a long, often cocked tail. The pale eye is also a good field mark.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller rufous cap, less distinct olive-green on the back, and often a more yellowish wash on the underparts. Their tail feathers are shorter and less developed.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. The primary seasonal difference is the elongation of the central tail feathers in breeding males.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage. However, during the breeding season, males develop elongated central tail feathers, which are noticeably longer than those of the female. This is the primary distinguishing feature.

Key field marks

• Rufous Crown. Look for the distinctive chestnut-red cap on the head, which is a key identifier.
• Olive-green Back. Observe the bright olive-green coloration on its upperparts, contrasting with the rufous crown.
• Whitish Underparts. Note the pale, often whitish to pale buff, underparts.
• Long, Cocked Tail. Pay attention to its relatively long tail, which is frequently held cocked upwards. Breeding males will have noticeably longer central tail feathers.
• Pale Eye. The pale yellowish-white eye stands out against the rufous and olive plumage.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its loud, repetitive 'chee-up' or 'twee-twee-twee' song and sharp 'chick-chick' alarm calls.
• Behavior. Watch for its active foraging style, flitting and hopping through dense foliage, often hanging upside down.

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