The black-crowned scimitar babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae.
Region
Southern China and Indochina
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical broadleaf evergreen and mixed forests, especially dense understory and bamboo thickets. It frequents forest edges, ravines, and streamside scrub where cover is abundant. The babbler also uses secondary growth and degraded forest if sufficient underbrush remains. It is primarily a hill and montane bird but can occur in foothills where suitable thickets persist.
Altitude Range
300–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-crowned scimitar babbler is a shy understory bird of Asian forests, named for its long, down-curved, scimitar-like bill. It is often heard before seen, delivering loud antiphonal duets between mates. Pairs and small family groups move stealthily through dense thickets, probing leaf litter and tangles for hidden prey.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; flies low between thickets
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, moving methodically through dense understory. Territorial pairs often duet and maintain year-round territories. Nest is typically a cup or dome concealed low in thick vegetation, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and loud for its size, giving clear, whistled phrases often delivered antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp tchik notes and mellow piping sequences that carry through dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact, thickset babbler with a contrasting black crown and nape, warm brown upperparts, and paler, buffy underparts with fine streaking on the breast. Throat is whitish to buff with a clean border; face shows a pale supercilium and darker lores. Feathers appear soft with a slightly loose, shaggy look around the neck.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders. It uses its long curved bill to probe leaf litter, moss, and bark crevices. Occasionally takes small snails and supplements diet with berries or small fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages close to the ground within dense shrubs, bamboo, and tangled vines. Often works along stream edges and the bases of thickets where damp leaf litter accumulates.
