The greater necklaced laughingthrush is a species of passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. It is introduced to Hawaii. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills and northeastern India through Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, often frequenting forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and scrub. The species adapts to disturbed habitats and can be found near villages, tea and coffee plantations, and along streams. Introduced populations have been recorded in Hawaii, where it uses wet forests and dense shrublands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for the bold black 'necklace' bordering its white throat, this laughingthrush is famous for loud, cackling choruses given by multiple birds at once. It forages in noisy, close-knit parties that skulk through dense undergrowth. Small introduced populations have occurred in Hawaii, likely originating from the cagebird trade.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; prefers running and hopping through cover
Social Behavior
Usually found in small, noisy flocks or family parties that move together through dense understory. Pairs may nest cooperatively, with group members helping to defend territories and feed young. The nest is a cup placed low in shrubs or tangled vegetation, with clutches typically of 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, laughing chorus of chattering notes, chuckles, and rising whistles often delivered antiphonally by several birds. Calls carry far through forest and are used to maintain group cohesion.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous tones on the wings and a long, graduated tail; underparts buff to whitish with a striking white throat bordered by a broad black collar.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Also eats berries, small fruits, and seeds, especially outside the peak insect season. Will opportunistically probe rotting wood and turn leaf litter to uncover prey, and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on or near the ground in dense undergrowth, forest edges, bamboo stands, and thickets. Frequently uses trails, stream margins, and lightly disturbed areas where cover is abundant.
