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IUCN status: Least ConcernOlive-backed Tailorbird at a glance
The Olive-backed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sepium) is a bird in the family Cisticolidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Java, Bali and Lombok (including Panaitan Island). Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Orthotomus sepium |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Cinenen jawa |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 7,915 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Java, Bali and Lombok (including Panaitan Island) · BirdLife DataZone |
In this guide (12)
What is the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
Olive-backed Tailorbird refers to Orthotomus sepium, in the genus Orthotomus, family Cisticolidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
The olive-backed tailorbird is now placed in Cisticolidae rather than the older broad Old World warbler grouping; names should follow current taxonomy.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 7,915 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Olive-backed Tailorbird with Zitting Cisticola, Brown-throated Sunbird, Common Iora. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Olive-backed Tailorbird
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Orthotomus |
| Species | Orthotomus sepium |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Olive-backed Tailorbird
What is the scientific name of the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
The scientific name of the Olive-backed Tailorbird is Orthotomus sepium, in the family Cisticolidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Cinenen jawa.
What kind of animal is the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
The Olive-backed Tailorbird is a bird in the family Cisticolidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore). It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Olive-backed Tailorbird live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Olive-backed Tailorbird summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.
The Olive-backed Tailorbird is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Java, Bali and Lombok (including Panaitan Island). Source: BirdLife DataZone.
What does the Olive-backed Tailorbird eat?
The Olive-backed Tailorbird is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Olive-backed Tailorbird reproduce?
The Olive-backed Tailorbird reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Olive-backed Tailorbird nocturnal?
The cited source records the Olive-backed Tailorbird as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Olive-backed Tailorbird?
Scientific classification of the Olive-backed Tailorbird: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Cisticolidae, genus Orthotomus, species Orthotomus sepium.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Olive-backed Tailorbird endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Olive-backed Tailorbird is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Olive-backed Tailorbird is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- BirdLife DataZone ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
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PanduanHewan. Olive-backed Tailorbird (Orthotomus sepium). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/orthotomus-sepium/