The curious tailorbirds
Tailorbirds are named for their nests which are built inside a cradle 'stitched' together from large leaves. Hong Kong has two "tailorbirds", though phylogenetic research reveals that they are not closely related.
The Common Tailorbird is a resident species, common in urban as well as country parks. It will often "scold" intruders with its insistent call.
Our other tailorbird is the Mountain Tailorbird, a winter visitor and one of several forest species which have recolonized Hong Kong as the forest cover has increased and matured. According to Birds of the World, it favours "bushy thickets, bamboos and hanging tangles within broadleaf evergreen forest, especially along watercourses." This is exactly where it can be found wintering along streams on the campus of the Chinese University campus, as well as at Lung Fu Shan. As its name suggests, it prefers mountain habitats, although these sites are only 100-200 meters above sea level.
As my "record shots" attest, this is quite a secretive species, typically located by its distinctive piercing whistle or chattering call. However, both tailorbirds are curious creatures which will often approach an observer, offering a brief opportunity for a photo. After satisfying their curiosity they will disappear into the forest or return to their foraging.
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