The rusty-crowned babbler (Sterrhoptilus capitalis) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is native to the southern Philippines on the islands of Mindanao and Dinagat Islands and Basilan.
Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest.
EBird describes it as "A fairly small bird of lowland and foothill forest and edge, with a rufous crown and a gray back and cheek, all with whitish streaks. Also has dark wings and tail with white outer tail feathers, and off-white underparts blending to a pale orange throat. Note the slender black bill. Often joins mixed-species flocks and sometimes hangs upside down while feeding. Somewhat similar to Brown Tit-Babbler, but slightly larger, with a rufous crown and a white belly. Flocks give a jumble of squeaky chattering notes."[1] It is seen in mixed flocks along with Mindanao blue-fantails, sulphur-billed nuthatches, Philippine bulbuls, brown-tit babbler, Mindanao pygmy babbler,flowerpeckers, sunbirds and other small forest birds. Its diet is presumed to consist primarily of insects and some vegetable matter.[2]
Three subspecies are recognized:[3]
Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is seen on the undergrowth of primary forests or along forest edge.[4] Most Ebird and sight records are in the PICOP Logging Concession in Bislig which has undergone massive deforestation. Its population is believed to be descreasing.[5]