Indian scimitar babbler

The Indian scimitar babbler is an Old World babbler. It is found in peninsular India in a range of forest habitats. They are most often detected by their distinctive calls, which include an antiphonal duet by a pair of birds. They are often hard to see as they forage through dense vegetation. The long, curved yellow, scimitar-shaped bills give them their name. It has been treated in the past as a subspecies of the white-browed scimitar babbler which is found along the Himalayas but now separated into two species, the peninsular Indian species and the Sri Lanka scimitar babbler.

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Distribution

Region

Peninsular India

Typical Environment

Occurs widely across peninsular India from the Western Ghats and adjoining foothills to suitable hill tracts and scrubby forests elsewhere. It favors dense undergrowth in moist and semi-evergreen forest, secondary growth, thickets, and bamboo brakes. Often found along forest edges, ravines, and shaded plantations with tangled ground cover. It keeps close to the ground or in low shrub layers, moving through cover in small, stealthy hops. Though common locally, it is frequently overlooked due to its secretive habits.

Altitude Range

0–1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size18–22 cm

Wing Span24–30 cm

Male Weight0.04 kg

Female Weight0.038 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This skulking undergrowth specialist is best located by its ringing, antiphonal duet in which the pair alternates notes seamlessly. Its long, scimitar-shaped yellow bill is adapted for probing leaf litter, bark crevices, and bamboo clumps for hidden prey. Formerly treated within the white-browed scimitar babbler complex, it is now recognized as a distinct species restricted to peninsular India.

Gallery

An Indian scimitar babbler at Dandeli tiger reserve, India

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover

Social Behavior

Usually found in pairs or small family parties, often keeping to dense tangles. Pairs maintain close contact through duets and soft calls while foraging. Nests are typically domed or well-concealed structures placed low in dense vegetation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A loud, ringing duet with clear, whistled notes exchanged antiphonally by a pair, often carrying far through forest undergrowth. Also gives sharp chips and scolding calls when disturbed.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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