Ashy Prinia

The ashy prinia, or ashy wren-warbler, is a small warbler and a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent, ranging across most of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, eastern Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and western Myanmar. It is common in urban gardens and farmland. It is 13 to 14 cm long with short rounded wings and a longish graduated cream tail tipped with black spots, usually held upright, and a short black bill. The crown is grey and the underparts rufous in most plumages (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found singly or in pairs in shrubbery and often visits the ground. Northern birds change plumage seasonally, while other races keep their summer plumage all year. The Sri Lankan race is distinctive and endemic. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).