Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler
NameTaiwan Scimitar-Babbler
Common NameTaiwan Scimitar-Babbler
Scientific NamePomatorhinus musicus
FamilyTimaliidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsThis species has olive-brown to rufous-brown upperparts. Its head features a prominent white supercilium above a broad black eye-stripe. The throat and upper breast are white, often with dark streaking on the sides, while the flanks and belly are rufous-chestnut. The long, decurved bill is blackish above and pale horn-colored below.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, often musical, duetting calls. Typically a series of loud, clear, whistling notes, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'po-po-po' by one bird, answered by another.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Taiwan, found throughout the island's mountainous and hilly regions, primarily in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Identifying FeaturesLong, strongly decurved bill, Prominent white supercilium (eyebrow), Broad black eye-stripe, Rufous-chestnut flanks and belly, White throat with dark streaking on breast sides, Endemic to Taiwan
Description
The Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler is a medium-sized babbler endemic to Taiwan, characterized by its distinctive long, decurved bill. It typically forages in dense undergrowth, often in pairs or small groups, searching for invertebrates.
