The red-tailed laughingthrush (Trochalopteron milnei) is a species of bird in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae. It is found in the montane forests of Myanmar, Laos, southern China and central Vietnam
| Red-tailed laughingthrush | |
|---|---|
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| In the Ngọc Linh Nature Reserve, Vietnam | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus: | Trochalopteron |
| Species: | T. milnei
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| Binomial name | |
| Trochalopteron milnei David, A, 1874
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| Synonyms | |
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Taxonomy
editThe red-tailed laughingthrush was formally described in 1874 by the French Catholic priest and naturalist Armand David under the current binomial name Trochalopteron milnei. He had discovered the species in west Fujian province, China.[2][3] The genus name combines the Ancient Greek trokhalos meaning "round" or "bowed" with pteron meaning "wing". The specific epithet milnei was chosen to honour the French zoologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards.[4]
Four subspecies are recognised:[5]
- T. m. sharpei Rippon, 1901 – north Myanmar and south China to northwest Thailand and north Indochina
- T. m. vitryi (Delacour, 1932) – south Laos
- T. m. sinianum Stresemann, 1930 – southeast China (except northwest Fujian)
- T. m. milnei David, A, 1874 – northwest Fujian
Description
editThe red-tailed laughingthrush has an overall length of about 26–28 cm (10–11 in) and a weight of about 66–93 g (2.3–3.3 oz). It is dull ochrous-grey, with a bright rufous-chestnut crown and a blackish face, with whitish ear-coverts. Wings and tail are crimson. The sexes are similar.[6]
Distribution and habitat
editThis species can be found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.[7] These birds mainly inhabit the understorey of broadleaf evergreen forests,[6]
They are strictly montane, usually living at an elevation of 1,800–2,500 metres (5,900–8,200 ft) above sea level.[8]
Behaviour
editFood and feeding
editThis species mainly feeds on insects and small arthropods (beetles, centipedes, etc.), but also on berries and fruits (especially of Saurauia species).[6]
Breeding
editThe breeding season lasts from April to June. The nest is made by both sexes and consists of a tidy cup mainly made of grasses and bamboo leaves. It is built up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) above the ground level. The clutch of 2-3 eggs are incubated for 17–18 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and leave the nest when aged 14–16 days.[6]
References
edit- ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Trochalopteron milnei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22715764A94468047. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22715764A94468047.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ David, Armand (1874). "Description de quelques oiseaux de Chine". Annales des Sciences Naturelles. Zoologie. Series 5 (in French). 19 (9): 1-5 [4].
- ^ Mayr, Ernst; Paynter, Raymond A. Jr, eds. (1964). Check-List of Birds of the World. Vol. 10. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Museum of Comparative Zoology. p. 379.
- ^ Jobling, James A. (2010). The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. London: Christopher Helm. pp. 391, 255. ISBN 978-1-4081-2501-4.
- ^ Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (December 2023). "Laughingthrushes and allies". IOC World Bird List Version 14.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d Collar, N.J.; Robson, C. (2007). "Family Timaliidae (Babblers)". In del Hoyo, J.; Elliott, A.; Sargatal, J. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona, Spain: Lynx Edicions. pp. 70-291 [262]. ISBN 978-84-96553-42-2.
- ^ Biolib
- ^ Morten Strange Photographic Guide to the Birds of Thailand: Including Southeast Asia & the Philippines
External links
edit- Dollinger P. Zootier-Lexikon (in German)
- iNaturalist