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Hypocolius

Hypocolius
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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Hypocoliidae
Genus:Hypocolius
Species
Gray Hypocolius
H. ampelinus

The Gray Hypocolius (alternative names Grey Hypocolius, Hypocolius) (Hypocolius ampelinus) is a small passerine bird species. It is the sole member of the family Hypocoliidae. It ranges through the Middle East, breeding in the Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan area, and wintering in Saudi Arabia. It is found in bushes and scrub, also in palm groves and gardens.

Their shape and soft plumage resembles the waxwings, to which they are related. They are mainly a uniform gray color, with males having a black triangular mask around the eyes. They have white-tipped black primary wing feathers and black tip to the tail.

These birds eat berries with some insects. They lay 3-4 eggs in a nest in a bush.

The bird is not especially rare, but the political difficulties in getting into and around any of the countries in its range are formidable.

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