Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus

The Hypocolius is native to desert scrub and dry woodland of the Middle East from Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan, Pakistan and northwestern India. There is also a separate population in Turkmenistan. Also called the Grey/Gray Hypocolius, it can be grey but can look pinky beige, it is the only species in its genus and the only hypocolius.

The male (above) has a two-tone charcoal grey face mask, white and black on the wingtips and an erectable crest.

The female (above) is a similar beige-grey colour but is plain with no face mask. Both have a dark tail tip. Diet is fruit (especially date-palms) and insects.