The rusty-crowned babbler (Sterrhoptilus capitalis) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae.

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.

Somewhat similar to Brown Tit-Babbler, but slightly larger, with a rufous crown and a white belly.

"[2] Three subspecies are recognized:[3] Typically seen singly, in pairs or 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.

[6] Most Ebird and sight records are in the PICOP Logging Concession in Bislig which has undergone massive deforestation.