Leiothrichidae bird family

Order Passeriformes · 3 selected species

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Bare-headed LaughingthrushMelanocichla calvaThickset, dark-gray-brown laughingthrush with a bright-candy-red bill, broad blue moustache patches, and a sickly-looking bare yellow crown. Endemic to the highlands of north-central Borneo. Found in primary submontane and montane forests. Forages in small groups or with mixed flocks, clambering and hopping about in vines and tangles of vegetation in middle levels of forest. Unlike Sunda and Chestnut-hooded laughingthrushes, Bare-headed does not readily approach people. Song is an owl-like series of hollow hoots, interspersed with upswept yelps when duetting.

Chestnut-hooded LaughingthrushPterorhinus treacheriAttractive and often confiding laughingthrush, often found around lodges and trails. Endemic to Borneo’s highlands, where it can be one of the most frequently-encountered birds in montane forest and forest edge. Note dark chestnut head, gray body, bright orange bill, and bright silvery wing stripe. Pale crescent behind eye gives it a cartoonishly large-eyed appearance. Hops on the ground and along branches, often with small mammals and other birds, particularly Sunda Laughingthrush. Song, often heard at dawn, is a series of repetitive, rising, mellow warbles. Calls include a harsh buzzing “churrrrr” and rattling notes.

Chestnut-hooded LaughingthrushPterorhinus treacheriAttractive and often confiding laughingthrush, often found around lodges and trails. Endemic to Borneo’s highlands, where it can be one of the most frequently-encountered birds in montane forest and forest edge. Note dark chestnut head, gray body, bright orange bill, and bright silvery wing stripe. Pale crescent behind eye gives it a cartoonishly large-eyed appearance. Hops on the ground and along branches, often with small mammals and other birds, particularly Sunda Laughingthrush. Song, often heard at dawn, is a series of repetitive, rising, mellow warbles. Calls include a harsh buzzing “churrrrr” and rattling notes.