The giant laughingthrush is a bird species in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in central China and far northern India and Myanmar. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Region
Central China and Eastern Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in central and southwestern China, extending locally to far northern India (Arunachal Pradesh) and northern Myanmar. It inhabits temperate and montane broadleaf and mixed forests, often with dense bamboo or rhododendron understory. Birds keep close to thickets and forest edges, also using scrubby slopes and secondary growth near villages. It is typically encountered in pairs or small groups moving through mid- to lower strata.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The giant laughingthrush is one of the largest laughingthrushes, noted for its loud, chuckling chorus that often travels through mountain forests. It belongs to the family Leiothrichidae and typically moves in small, noisy parties. Some taxonomies list it under the synonym Garrulax maximus. It is generally shy, foraging low in dense cover but advertising itself vocally.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in winter. Nests are typically cup-shaped, placed low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Pairs are territorial during the breeding season but become more gregarious afterward.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of whistles and rich, chuckling phrases that can sound like laughter. Calls include harsh scolds and chatter used to keep the group together within dense vegetation.
