The Cachar wedge-billed babbler or chevron-breasted babbler is a species of bird in the Old World babbler family (Timaliidae). It is named for the Cachar Hills in southern Assam.
Region
Northeast India and Sylhet region of Bangladesh
Typical Environment
Occurs in the foothill and lower montane forests of southern Assam and adjoining areas, extending into the Sylhet region of northeastern Bangladesh. Favors dense, moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forest with abundant bamboo, cane brakes, and thick undergrowth. Typically keeps to shaded gullies, streamside thickets, and forest edges within intact forest blocks. It is patchily distributed due to its reliance on dense understory structure and undisturbed habitat.
Altitude Range
150–1300 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the chevron-breasted babbler, it takes its name from the Cachar Hills of southern Assam, India. This shy understory bird favors dense bamboo and evergreen thickets where it often goes unseen but reveals itself by its sharp, ringing calls. It forages close to the ground and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss in its small range is a notable concern.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering flights between thickets
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and regularly joins mixed-species understory flocks. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; breeding likely occurs in the local spring–summer wet season. Territorial calls are often given antiphonally by pairs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of sharp, ringing whistles and clear notes, often delivered in short phrases from cover. Pairs may duet, creating an antiphonal effect. Also gives scolding churrs and rattles when disturbed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a slightly rufescent tinge and paler buff underparts marked by bold, dark chevron-shaped streaking across the breast. The throat is paler, and the crown and nape are more uniformly brown. Feathers appear smooth and close-set, aiding its sleek, skulking profile in dense cover.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, and spiders. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, bamboo culms, and the lower shrub layer. Occasionally probes mossy bark and leaf litter, and may sally short distances to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense bamboo and cane thickets, tangled undergrowth, and streamside vegetation within evergreen and semi-evergreen forest. Most activity occurs within the first few meters above the ground where cover is thickest.
