The
White-eared sibia has an average body length of 24cm and a wing
length of 10-11cm. Both males and females have the same plumage,
which consists of a bluish-black shimmering crown; a grayish-black
nape, back, throat, and upper chest; and an orange-brown lower
back, rump, and upper tail coverts. White-eared sibias also
have a chestnut brown lower chest and lower tail coverts; long,
brownish-black tail feathers; shimmering black wings and a black
beak; and flesh-colored legs and feet. They derive their name
from their characteristically long eye stripe, which are shaped
like whiskers and extend all the way behind their ears.
Behavior:
Like
the Formosan yuhina, the White-eared sibia is a bird that sings
out loud at sunrise each morning in a loud, beautiful, and resonant
voice that sounds like "fei fei fei yo." However,
they are also known for giving warning calls that sound similar
to gunfire. Their diet is quite diverse, consisting of nectar,
fruits, seeds, and insects. They are commonly seen in small
groups in the middle and upper levels of broad-leaved forests
at low and middle elevations.
Habitat:
White-eared
sibias are endemic to Taiwan and usually appear in middle and
upper levels of wild or mixed coniferous broad-leaved forests
at 1000-2500m elevations.
