The chestnut-hooded laughingthrush is a species of bird in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae endemic to Borneo. Described by the British ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe as a distinct species in 1879, it was subsequently considered a subspecies of the chestnut-capped laughingthrush until 2007, when it was again raised to species status by the ornithologists Nigel Collar and Craig Robson. It is 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) long, with a chestnut brown head and chin, with grey feathering on the top of the head. The upperparts and the side of the neck are slaty-grey, with a long white wing patch. The throat, breast, and upper belly are dull yellowish-brown, with purer grey flanks and a reddish-brown vent, lower belly, and thighs. It has a yellow half eye-ring behind and below the eye, while the tail has a blackish tip. Both sexes look similar, while juveniles are duller than adults.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in the northern and central mountains of Borneo across Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia), Brunei, and northern Kalimantan (Indonesia). Favors montane and submontane evergreen forests, including mossy forest, forest edge, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth. It often forages along trails, landslides, and disturbed edges where understory is dense. The species adapts to a range of forest conditions provided sufficient cover and mid-story structure are present.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the montane forests of Borneo, this laughingthrush is often encountered in noisy parties along forest trails and edges. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the chestnut-capped laughingthrush but was elevated to full species in 2007. It readily joins mixed-species flocks and can be quite confiding in protected areas such as Kinabalu Park.
A chestnut-hooded laughingthrush foraging for insects.
Chestnut-hooded laughingthrush feeding on berries
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Typically found in small, noisy groups that move together through dense understory and mid-story. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. Nests are usually placed low in dense vegetation; pairs maintain territories during breeding while still foraging in loose parties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces a lively chorus of chuckles, chattering notes, and rolling laughs typical of laughingthrushes. Calls are loud and varied, used to keep contact within the group and to signal alarm.
