Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler explained

The rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler (Erythrogenys erythrogenys) is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae native to South-East Asia.

Subspecies

Erythrogenys erythrogenys has a number of recognized subspecies:

• E. e. erythrogenys (northwest Himalayas)
• E. e. imberbis
• E. e. haringtoni
• E. e. gravivox
• E. e. macclellandi
• E. e. ferrugilatus (central Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan)
• E. e. imberbis (east Myanmar)
• E. e. celata (east Myanmar and northwest Thailand)

Description

The species is olive-brown above, with rusty colouring on the sides of the face, head, thighs, and flanks. The belly is mostly white. Sexes are alike. The beak is long and decurved in a scimitar shape.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

The rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler is found from the Himalayas to Myanmar. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest habitats at elevations up to .

Ecology

The bird feeds mostly on the forest floor and in low canopy, forming small groups. Food items include insects, grubs and seeds. Calls consist of a mellow, fluty whistle, a two-noted "CUE..PE...CUE..pe" call followed by single note replay by mate, guttural alarm calls and a liquid contact note. The species is generally quite noisy.^[1]

Further reading

• Collar, N. J. & Robson, C. 2007. Family Timaliidae (Babblers) pp. 70 – 291 in; del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D.A. eds. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

Notes and References

1. Book: Baker, Edward Charles Stuart. The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma (Birds Vol 1). Taylor and Francis. 1922. 219–222.