Mount Victoria babax

The Mount Victoria babax is a species of passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Chinese babax

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Distribution

Region

Chin Hills, western Myanmar

Typical Environment

This species is confined to montane forests and shrublands on and around Mount Victoria. It frequents oak-rhododendron woodland, pine edges, and dense bamboo or rhododendron thickets. Birds often work along forest margins, clearings, and trails where leaf-litter and low shrubs provide foraging opportunities. Secondary growth and scrubby slopes are also used, especially where understory cover is intact.

Altitude Range

1800–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size23–27 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.085 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Mount Victoria babax is a shy, ground-favoring laughingthrush restricted to the highlands of Mount Victoria (Nat Ma Taung) in western Myanmar. It was formerly lumped with the Chinese babax but is now treated as a distinct species based on voice and morphology. Pairs or small parties often keep to dense thickets, but their rich, fluty songs can carry far on quiet mornings.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive yet social

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats; prefers low, fluttering hops between cover

Social Behavior

Usually in pairs or small family parties, sometimes joining mixed flocks in the understory. Territorial song is delivered from concealed perches within shrubs. Nesting is presumed to be cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; both parents likely share care of young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, melodious series of fluty whistles and mellow phrases, often given in short bouts. Calls include scolding chatters and soft contact notes that keep group members coordinated in dense cover.

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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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