Least Concern

About 21–24 cm in length. The male has a grey head, chest, and upperparts, with rufous underparts and a long barred tail. Females are more rufous-brown above with faint barring and buffy underparts.

Mostly a resident species across tropical Asia, though some populations in northern regions are partially migratory.

Birds from northern areas (like China and northern India) may move southwards to Southeast Asia during winter.

Typically March to August in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Being a brood parasite, it lays eggs in the nests of other small birds such as prinias, tailorbirds, and cisticolas.

Found breeding in open woodland, scrub, forest edges, and gardens — areas with abundant host species.

Prefers light forests, bamboo groves, gardens, plantations, and scrublands. Often seen singly, perching on exposed branches while calling its distinctive plaintive, whistling note.

Mainly insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and other small insects. Occasionally takes small berries. Forages among foliage or makes short flights to catch prey.