Red-tailed Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron milnei
An exquisitely- and distinctively-colored laughingthrush, though often shy and unwilling to stray far from cover outside of areas where habituated to human feeding. Mostly dark, ashen gray but has silvery cheeks, an orange crown, and bright red wings and tail, which are often seen as flashes in the gloomy undergrowth of thick evergreen forest. Chatters constantly and (often frustratingly) frequently as it moves around in large flocks in hill forest and forest edge. Listen for its song, a distinctive whistled “woouuu-weee!”, sometimes followed by rising, laughing “dee-dee!” notes.
Identification
Trochalopteron milnei can reach a body length of about 26–28 cm (10–11 in) and a weight of about 66–93 g (2.3–3.3 oz). These medium-sized laughingthrushes are dull ochrous-grey, with a bright rufous-chestnut crown and a blackish face, with whitish ear-coverts. Wings and tail are crimson.
Taxonomy
Genus: Trochalopteron; Family: Leiothrichidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Trochalopteron milnei
- Authority
- David, A, 1874
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Trochalopteron
Range and habitat
This species can be found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. These birds mainly inhabit the understorey of broadleaf evergreen forests,<p>They are strictly montane, usually living at an elevation of 1,800–2,500 metres (5,900–8,200 ft) above sea level.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Mexican Duck
Anas diazi
Both sexes look like a dark-colored female Mallard. Bill of male is dull yellowish; bill of female is mottled orange and black, like a typical Mallard. In flight, bright white underwings contrast with dark body. Note distinct white stripe in front of iridescent panel on upperwing, compare to Mottled Duck (limited range overlap). Usually in pairs or small flocks; wary in most areas, but in some city parks and urban settings has become fairly tame. In some areas of sw. US, hybridizes with Mallard, producing birds with variably intermediate features.
Striolated Tit-Spinetail
Leptasthenura striolata
Distinctive, diminutive species with a very long spiky tail and a heavily streaked body. Note the rusty crown and narrow white eyebrow. Occurs at forest edges, in Araucaria forest, and in tall second growth, where it forages acrobatically by gleaning. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks.
Lazuline Sabrewing
Campylopterus falcatus
Large, distinctive hummingbird. Males have bright blue underparts with maroon tail and downcurved bill. With a quick view, might be confused with a violetear or Green-backed Hillstar, but tail color and entirely blue underparts are distinctive. Females are grayer on the belly with a grayish mustache stripe; note maroon tail. Occurs in the subtropical zone of the Andes from Venezuela to Ecuador. Visits feeders, but also found in forests and edges.
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