The brown-capped laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in the Patkai range, where its natural habitat is subtropical and tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Eastern Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Patkai and adjacent hill ranges of northeast India, extending locally into western Myanmar. Favors subtropical and tropical moist montane forests with dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and forest edge. Often keeps close to the ground or mid-story, using tangled vegetation for cover. It tolerates selectively logged forest if sufficient understory remains. Riparian thickets and secondary growth patches are also used.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This laughingthrush keeps to dense undergrowth, where its presence is often revealed more by its rich, chuckling calls than by views. It forages in small, noisy parties and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Formerly placed in Garrulax, it is now commonly treated in Trochalopteron. Habitat loss in its limited range can affect local populations.
Temperament
social but skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties that move quietly through dense vegetation. Becomes more conspicuous during the breeding season when pairs defend small territories. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in shrubs or bamboo clumps. Outside breeding, may join mixed-species flocks for foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of rich chuckles, whistles, and bubbling notes that often accelerate into a laughing chorus. Calls are loud and carry through forest ravines, with duets common between pair members.
Plumage
Warm brown crown with olive-brown upperparts and grayish underparts showing faint scaling. Wings and tail show rufous tones with darker edging; throat paler. Feathers appear soft and slightly fluffy, aiding a sleek, rounded profile.
Diet
Takes insects and other small invertebrates from leaf-litter, bark, and low foliage. Also consumes berries, small fruits, and seeds, especially when invertebrates are scarce. Will glean, probe, and occasionally hop-scratch among leaves. Opportunistic and adaptable to seasonal food availability.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, bamboo, and along thickets at forest edge. Frequently forages near streams, landslips, and along narrow trails where invertebrates concentrate.
