Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler
NameSpot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler
Common NameSpot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler
Scientific NameErythrogenys mcclellandi
FamilyTimaliidae
Wingspan (cm)32.5
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)37.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are plain brown. The head sides are rufous-chestnut, contrasting with a prominent white throat and upper breast that is heavily spotted or streaked with dark brown/black. A distinct white eye-ring or broken supercilium is present, and the long, decurved bill is yellowish with a darker culmen.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, often loud and repeated, whistling or hooting call, typically described as 'whoop-whoop-whoop' or 'poo-poo-poo'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, ranging from Nepal eastward through Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China (Yunnan), Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Identifying FeaturesLong, strongly decurved yellowish bill, Rufous-chestnut head sides, White throat and upper breast with dark spots/streaks, Prominent white eye-ring/lores, Plain brown upperparts
Description
This medium-sized babbler is characterized by its long, strongly decurved yellowish bill and distinctive head and breast markings. It typically forages in dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets within subtropical and tropical forests, often heard before it is seen.
