The Emei Shan liocichla, also known as the Omei Shan or grey-faced liocichla, is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is closely related to the Bugun liocichla, a species only described in 2006, and which it closely resembles.
Region
Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occupies subtropical montane evergreen broadleaf forests with dense undergrowth, including bamboo and rhododendron thickets. It favors forest edges, regenerating secondary growth, and scrubby gullies where it can remain concealed. Birds typically forage within a few meters of the ground, moving through tangled vegetation. Ravines and streamside thickets are frequently used corridors.
Altitude Range
800–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Emei Shan liocichla is a shy, understory-dwelling babbler from the mountains of southwestern China, named after Mount Emei in Sichuan. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages quietly in dense shrubs and bamboo. Its close relative, the Bugun liocichla, was only described in 2006, highlighting how cryptic and poorly known this group can be.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups during the breeding season and in small parties outside it. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs; both parents participate in rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a sweet, clear series of whistled notes that rise and fall, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin tsip notes and soft scolds, often given while moving through cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a contrasting grey face and ear-coverts; underparts olive to yellowish with warm tones on flanks. Shows a conspicuous reddish to orange wing panel and yellow-orange undertail coverts. Tail is dark with brighter edges, and the overall plumage is soft and finely textured.
Diet
Takes small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Supplements with berries and soft fruits, especially outside the breeding season. May also pick small seeds and nectar-like juices from ripe fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense shrubs, bamboo patches, and along forest edges and streamside thickets. Often feeds methodically within the understory, rarely venturing into open spaces.
