Silver-eared Mesia Leiothrix argentauris

The Silver-eared Mesia is one of only 2 birds in its genus (with the Pekin Robin). It used to have its own genus of Mesia.

It is native to much of Southeast Asia with several subspecies over its range.

In most subspecies, males have bright red rumps/vents and females have orange.

They often join groups of their own kind and of other passerine bird species.

Unfortunately its plumage and singing voice are both too attractive for its own good and the wild population has been decimated by capture for the cage bird trade.