Alternative names: Scaly-headed Laughingthrush; Rufous Laughingthrush
- Pterorhinus poecilorhynchus
Garrulax poecilorhynchus
Identification
27 - 29cm. A medium-sized brown laughingthrush:
- Ochrous brown to rufous brown above and on breast
- Tail and wings rufous-chestnut
- Blue orbital and postocular skin
- Dark brown lores
- Lower breast and belly grey
- Small pale tail tips
Sexes similar, juveniles are duller than adults.
Distribution
Endemic to Taiwan.
Scarce to fairly common in its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
It was formerly considered conspecific with Buffy Laughingthrush and both species with Grey-sided Laughingthrush. All three may form a superspecies.
Placed in genus Garrulax, Dryonastes or in Ianthocincla by some authorities.
Habitat
Broadleaf evergreen forest, bamboo and low ground cover in conifer plantations. Found at 1200 - 2100m.
Behaviour
Usually seen in small groups of up to six birds in undergrowth or middle storey.
Diet
Feeds on insects, seeds and other vegetable matter.
Breeding
Breeding season May to June. The nest is a bulky cup made of bamboo and other leaves. It's placed in an upright fork of a bush or in bamboo. Lays 2 - 5 eggs.
Movements
Resident species.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553422
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Rusty Laughingthrush. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 25 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Rusty_Laughingthrush
