Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. Ashy Tailorbirds eat insects. They are very common in mangroves, energetically foraging in the lower understorey; moving and calling constantly. Ashy Tailorbirds "sew" their nests out of the large green living leaves. For more about tailorbirds in general and how they "sew" their nests out of leaves. Tailorbirds are not at risk in Singapore as they have adapted well to human interference. Although Ashy Tailorbirds are mostly found in mangroves, they also live in adjacent growths such as swampy forest and coastal scrub. In offshore islands, they are found throughout the island and not just at the shores. Its conservation is currently Least Concerned. Small (12cm); entire body is a dark ashy-grey, although may be whitish at the abdomen; completely rufous face and throat. When flying, Ashy Tailorbirds fly by darting low flight in the understorey thickets.