The moustached laughingthrush is a species of passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in China, India, and Myanmar where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs from the eastern Himalayan foothills of northeast India into northern Myanmar and adjacent southwestern China, especially in Yunnan and Sichuan. It inhabits subtropical to temperate moist montane forests, including evergreen broadleaf and mixed oak–rhododendron woods. Birds are frequently found in dense bamboo and rhododendron thickets, forest edges, and secondary growth. They keep close to the forest understory and mid-story, often along gullies and near streams.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named for its bold white 'moustache' stripe, this laughingthrush travels in chatty groups that skulk through dense undergrowth. It often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests and was formerly placed in the genus Garrulax before being moved to Ianthocincla. Its presence is more often betrayed by noisy, laughing calls than by easy views.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy parties that move through dense undergrowth. Often participates in mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or small trees; both sexes likely share nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, varied series of whistles, chatters, and chuckling 'laughs' delivered in bouts. Groups may engage in antiphonal duet-like sequences, making the bird more often heard than seen.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with greyer head and mantle; whitish throat and underparts tinged buff. A striking white moustachial stripe contrasts with a darker mask and malar area. Long tail and subtly rufous tones on wings and flanks.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects and other invertebrates gleaned from foliage, bark, and leaf litter. Also consumes berries, small fruits, and seeds, especially outside the breeding season. Will flip leaves on the forest floor and probe mossy branches, occasionally snatching prey with short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and along forest edges, ravines, and bamboo or rhododendron thickets. Frequently works along trails and stream margins where cover is thick.
