The white-eared tailorbird (Orthotomus cinereiceps) is a species of bird formerly placed in the "Old World warbler" assemblage, it but now placed in the family Cisticolidae.It is found in the Philippine islands of Basilan and West Mindanao.
Description and taxonomy This species is small long-billed and long-tailed bird found in the undergrowth of West Mindanao. This species has primarily olive green plummage with a pale gray belly, a black head and an eponymous white spot on its ear.
This species exhibits sexual dimorphism in which the female has a white throat patch.
The White-eared tailorbird is one of 13 species in the tailorbird genus Orthotomus. It has historically sometimes been considered to be the same species as the yellow-breasted and white-eared tailorbirds due to similarities in their vocalisations which include a monotunous piping notes and a rapid nasal sounding trill.; however, these three species are genetically distinct, although they form a superspecies. According to a 2012 study of genetic data, the black-headed tailorbird is sister (most closely related) to the white-eared tailorbird, and these two species are further sister to the yellow-breasted tailorbird.
Subspecies Two subspecies are recognized:
Orthotomus cinereiceps cinereiceps: Found on Basilan Island Orthotomus cinereiceps obscurior: Found in Zamboanga Peninsula. Cotabato. Misamis Oriental,
Ecology and behavior It is known to feed on small invertebrates. Usually seen foraging in dense undergrowth, typically in pairs. There is no breeding information on this bird aside from a reported nest in August in Basilan and birds with enlarged gonads have been collected on April and May.
Habitat and conservation status White-eared tailorbird is found in dense tangles in primary and secondary forest and forest clearings up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
IUCN has assessed this bird as a Least-concern species due to its tolerance to degraded habitat.
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