The Assam laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Northeast India and adjacent southwest China and Myanmar.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and adjacent Southwest China
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and lower montane broadleaf forests, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets. It favors dense understory near forest edges, gullies, and along streamside tangles. Birds may also use overgrown tea estates or scrubby clearings when cover is abundant. It forages near the ground and in low shrubs, often moving through thickets in small groups.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae, the Assam laughingthrush is noted for its loud, chattering calls that often sound like laughter. It keeps to dense undergrowth in foothill and montane forests of Northeast India, adjacent southwest China, and northern Myanmar. Birds are typically seen in small, noisy parties that forage close to the ground. Local habitat loss can affect it where forests are fragmented.
Temperament
shy and skulking, but vocal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family parties that keep in contact with loud calls. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or bamboo, where both adults may share in nest defense. Outside breeding, small flocks may form and join mixed-species flocks in the understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich series of chattering, chuckling notes that often accelerate into laughter-like phrases. Contact calls are sharp and scolding, used to keep group cohesion in thick cover.
Plumage
Generally earthy brown with paler underparts and subtle streaking or mottling on the breast; plumage adapted for camouflage in dense undergrowth.
Diet
Opportunistic omnivore taking insects and other small invertebrates, supplemented with berries, small fruits, and seeds. It probes leaf litter, moss, and bark crevices, and gleans from low foliage. During the fruiting season, it may consume more berries and soft fruits.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on or near the ground within dense shrubs, bamboo, and tangles along forest edges and streams. Also uses secondary growth and overgrown plantations where thick cover is available.
