Blue-winged laughingthrush

The blue-winged laughingthrush is a bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Eastern Himalaya, Yunnan, Myanmar and Laos where its natural habitat is the dense undergrowth of subtropical or tropical moist broadleaved evergreen montane forests.

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Distribution

Region

Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China to Indochina

Typical Environment

Occurs from the eastern Himalaya through southwest China (notably Yunnan) into northern Myanmar and Laos, with some populations extending into adjacent Indochina. It inhabits dense undergrowth of subtropical or tropical moist broadleaved evergreen montane forests, including rhododendron-oak forests and bamboo thickets. Birds favor steep gullies, forest edges, and secondary growth where cover is abundant. They are typically elusive, keeping low in thickets and along shaded stream margins. The species avoids open habitats and human-disturbed clearings.

Altitude Range

900–3000 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size24–28 cm

Wing Span32–38 cm

Male Weight0.11 kg

Female Weight0.1 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The blue-winged laughingthrush is a shy, ground-favoring forest bird known for its rich, laughing choruses that carry through montane valleys. It often travels in small, noisy parties and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging in dense undergrowth. Its subtle blue panels on the wings can be striking when seen in good light, contrasting with finely scaled brown plumage. Despite being locally common, it is easily overlooked due to its secretive habits.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and wary

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering dashes through cover

Social Behavior

Usually in pairs or small family groups, often moving through dense shrubs and bamboo. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks with sibias, fulvettas, and yuhinas. Nests are neat cups placed low in dense vegetation; clutches typically contain a few pale, speckled eggs. Both parents participate in care, and groups keep in contact with soft calls.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a rich series of mellow whistles and chuckling phrases that can build into a laughing chorus. Calls include loud churring scolds and ringing notes used to maintain contact in thick cover.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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