Tailorbird

Tailorbirds are small birds belonging to the genus  Orthotomus  often placed in the Old World warbler family Sylviidae. However, recent research suggests they more likely belong in the Cisticolidae and they are treated as such in Del Hoyo et al. (2006). One species, the Mountain Tailorbird (and therefore also its sister species Rufous-headed Tailorbird), is actually closer to an old world warbler genus Cettia.

They occur in the Old World tropics, principally in Asia.

These warblers are usually brightly colored, with green or grey upperparts and yellow white or grey underparts. They often have chestnut on the head.

Tailorbirds have short rounded wings, short tails, strong legs and long curved bills. The tail is typically held upright, like a wren. They are typically found in open woodland, scrub and gardens.

Tailorbirds get their name from the way their nest is constructed. The edges of a large leaf are pierced and sewn together with plant fibre or spider's web to make a cradle in which the actual grass nest is built.

Species List

 * Common Tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius
 * Dark-necked Tailorbird, Orthotomus atrogularis
 * Cambodian Tailorbird, Orthotomus chaktomuk
 * Philippine Tailorbird, Orthotomus castaneiceps
 * Trilling Tailorbird, Orthotomus chloronotus
 * Rufous-fronted Tailorbird, Orthotomus frontalis
 * Grey-backed Tailorbird, Orthotomus derbianus
 * Rufous-tailed Tailorbird, Orthotomus sericeus
 * Ashy Tailorbird, Orthotomus ruficeps
 * Olive-backed Tailorbird, Orthotomus sepium
 * Yellow-breasted Tailorbird, Orthotomus samarensis
 * Black-headed Tailorbird, Orthotomus nigriceps
 * White-eared Tailorbird, Orthotomus cinereiceps

Two species likely to be moved to the Cettiidae:
 * Mountain Tailorbird, Orthotomus/Phyllergates cucullatus
 * Rufous-headed Tailorbird, Orthotomus/Phyllergates heterolaemus