The clicking shrike-babbler is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is found from Assam, India, eastern Myanmar to southern China, and southern Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It used to be considered a subspecies of the chestnut-fronted shrike-babbler.
Region
Eastern Himalayas to southern China and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeast India (Assam) and eastern Myanmar through southern China (e.g., Yunnan, Guangxi) to northern and central Indochina including Laos and Vietnam. Inhabits evergreen broadleaf and montane cloud forests, as well as mature secondary woodland and forest edges. Most often found in the mid- to upper canopy, especially along ridges, ravines, and near streams. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats but relies on forest cover. Often associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in wooded landscapes.
Altitude Range
300–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the shrike-babbler group now placed in the vireo family (Vireonidae), the clicking shrike-babbler was split from the former chestnut-fronted shrike-babbler complex. Its name comes from the male’s sharp, metallic clicking notes given in steady series from mid-canopy perches. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and gleans insects from foliage and dead leaf clusters.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding hops between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Typically occurs singly, in pairs, or small family parties; readily joins mixed-species flocks with other canopy gleaners. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build neat cup nests placed on horizontal branches or forks in the mid-canopy. Both sexes participate in incubation and provisioning of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Best known for a series of sharp, metallic clicks delivered at even pace, sometimes accelerating or given in short bursts. Also gives thin whistles and brief trills interspersed with clicking notes, especially during the breeding season.
Plumage
Compact, shrike-like passerine with stout, slightly hooked bill; upperparts largely olive with a greyish head and contrasting darker mask. Males often show a rufous or chestnut wash on the forecrown, bright yellow to yellow-olive underparts, and a crisp white wing patch or bars. Females are duller, greener above with paler, more olive-buff underparts and weaker wing markings. Both sexes show clean white edges in the wings and tail when in flight.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, bugs, and spiders, which it gleans from leaves, twigs, and dead leaf clusters. Occasionally takes small berries or other soft fruits, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging is methodical, often involving probing into curled leaves and epiphytes to extract concealed prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of mature evergreen and montane forests. Frequently works along forest edges, ridgelines, and mixed-species flock routes where insect activity is concentrated.
