The chestnut-backed laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Northeast India and northern Myanmar. This species inhabits secondary growth, thickets, tall grasslands with scattered shrubs or dense bushes in stony scrub-covered ravines and hills, from the lowlands up to around 900 metres (3,000 ft). It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Northeast India and northern Myanmar
Typical Environment
Occurs from the foothills and lowlands of Northeast India east into northern Myanmar. It favors secondary growth, dense thickets, and tall grassland with scattered shrubs, as well as scrubby ravines and bushy hillsides. The species keeps to tangled understory and edges, where it can move and forage under cover. It may also use regenerating clearings and village edges with suitable shrub density.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The chestnut-backed laughingthrush is a skulking understory bird that stays close to dense cover, often revealing itself by its loud, laughing chorus. It typically moves in pairs or small parties, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks while foraging low in thickets and scrub. Habitat loss in foothill scrub and secondary growth threatens local populations. Its rich chestnut upperparts sharply contrast with its greyer head and underparts, aiding field identification.
Temperament
social and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose family groups that keep close contact by calls. It forages low to the ground within dense vegetation, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks in scrubby edges. Nesting is likely low in shrubs or thickets, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing series of chuckles and cackles delivered in chorus, giving the classic 'laughing' effect. Calls include sharp chacks and scolding notes used to maintain contact in cover.
Plumage
Rich chestnut mantle, back, and wings contrasting with greyer head, breast, and belly; often shows slightly warmer flanks. Tail typically chestnut-toned with darker subterminal shading. Overall appearance smooth-plumaged with minimal streaking, built for moving through dense scrub.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of insects and other small invertebrates, along with berries, small fruits, and seeds. It gleans from leaf-litter and low foliage, often probing among dead leaves and twigs. Opportunistically feeds on seasonally abundant fruits along scrubby edges.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense thickets, secondary scrub, and at the edges of tall grasslands with scattered shrubs. Frequently works along ravines, bushy slopes, and regenerating clearings where cover is continuous.
