From Opus

Photo by James Williams
Siddapur, North Karnataka, India, April 2009

Alternative name: Rufous-backed Babbler

Turdoides subrufa

[edit] Identification

A medium-sized (24cm) Turdoides Babbler from India. Has rufous underparts, and rich brown upperparts. Black and yellow bill, dark lores, and a grey forecrown.Juveniles are similar to adults. Hyperythra is richer coloured than nominate race.

[edit] Similar Species

Quite similar to Orange-billed Babbler from Sri Lanka, but ranges don't overlap. Jungle Babbler and Yellow-billed Babbler are much paler.

[edit] Distribution

	Endemic to the Western Ghats in SW India. Restricted range species. Subrufa seems to be quite rare, hyperythra is locally common in Kerala.
	Legend • T. s. subrufa; year-round • T. s. hyperythra; year-round Maps/Texts consulted1,2,3,4

[edit] Taxonomy

Two subspecies recognized:⁴

• T. s. subrufa from S Karnataka to N Tamil Nadu
• T. s. hyperythra in Kerala and W Tamil Nadu

The scientific name was formerly spelled Turdoides subrufus.
This species is sometimes placed in genus Argya.

[edit] Habitat

Found in dense scrub undergrowth in open evergreen and moist deciduous forest. Also forest edge, old clearings, dense scrub, tall grass or abandoned coffee plantations.

[edit] Behaviour

Feeds on insects, berries and nectar. Forages on ground in small groups of 6 - 8 birds. Skulking behaviour.
Breeding season from February to November, but most birds breed between February and March. Builds a large deep cup made of leaves, grasses and creepers in a bush or a small tree. Lays 4 blue eggs.
Resident.

[edit] References

1. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2005. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Washington D.C. and Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Editions. ISBN 84-87334-67-9
2. Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1998. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. London: Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-4004-9
3. Kazmierczak, K. and van Perlo, B. 2000. A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. London: Pica Press. ISBN 0-300-07921-4
4. del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Christie, D.A. eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 12. Picahartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-30X

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages