Mazhar Hussain1, Shakeel Ahmad1*, Aleem Ahmed Khan1 1Institute of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan *Corresponding author’s email: ahmad.frw.iub@gmail.com Received: 02 January 2026 / Revised: 17 March 2026 / Accepted: 04 April 2026 / Published Online: 14 April 2026 Abstract Chrysomma altirostre (Jerdon’s Babbler) is vulnerable passerine species native to grasslands and wetlands of the Indian subcontinent. Although aspects of its distribution and habitat have been documented, detailed investigation into its feeding ecology and reproductive biology remains limited. The aim of current research work was to study its preferred habitat, feeding and breeding biology. Jerdon’s Babbler was found to prefer habitats dominated by Phragmites karka, Typha spp., Saccharum arundinaceum, S. spontaneum, and S. munja. Large proportion of the adult bird’s diet consisted of insects along with arachnids and grains. Young ones were fed with caterpillars, larvae, butterflies, moths, bugs and beetles. Breeding season was marked with territorial male calls from mid of March to the mid of August. Both parents shared in nest building and caring of nestlings, but the incubation of the eggs was carried out by female bird only. Mean clutch size (n = 7) was 3.42 ± 0.5. Mean length, width and weight of eggs (n = 10) were 1.91 ± 0.13 cm, 1.67 ± 0.08 cm, and 2.16 ± 0.16 g respectively. Incubation and nestling period lasted for 16.4 ± 0.7 (n = 6) and 13.45 ± 0.85 days (n = 5) respectively. The total time period from nest building to fledging counted for 34.5 ± 1.5 days (n = 5). Overall breeding success was recorded at 42%. Predation and habitat destruction are main threats. Low survival rate, mainly due to predation and habitat destruction, indicates an urgent need for adapting targeted strategies for the conservation of habitat and protection of this vulnerable species. Keywords: Jerdon’s Babbler, Feeding, Breeding, Vulnerable species, Habitat degradation | 
