Horsfield's babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand, primarily in evergreen and mixed dipterocarp forests. It favors dense understory in lowland and hill forests, but also ranges into montane forest. The species frequents bamboo, rattan tangles, and forest edges near streams. It forages mainly on or near the ground, working through leaf litter and fallen branches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the American naturalist Thomas Horsfield, this skulking forest babbler is often heard before it is seen. It keeps low in dense understory and leaf litter, creeping quietly along fallen logs and thickets. Pairs or small family groups frequently duet with mellow, whistled phrases.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups keeping close to cover. It forages quietly near the ground, flicking leaves and probing crevices. Nests are placed low, often near the ground, built as a cup of leaves and fibers hidden in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mellow series of clear, whistled notes, often delivered as duets between mates. Calls include soft chips and piping phrases repeated from concealed perches.