The puff-throated babbler or spotted babbler is a species of passerine bird found in Asia. They are found in scrub and moist forest mainly in hilly regions. They forage in small groups on the forest floor, turning around leaf litter to find their prey and usually staying low in the undergrowth where they can be hard to spot. However, they have loud and distinct calls, including a morning song, contact and alarm calls. It is the type species of the genus Pellorneum which may, however, currently include multiple lineages.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies scrub, bamboo thickets, secondary growth, and moist to semi-evergreen forests, typically with dense leaf litter. It favors shaded gullies, forest edges, and hilly terrain where ground cover is abundant. Often found along streamside thickets and in patches of tangled undergrowth. Common in both primary and disturbed forests provided the understory remains intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The puff-throated babbler is renowned for its ability to fluff out its streaked white throat while calling from dense undergrowth. It is the type species of the genus Pellorneum and occurs widely across South and Southeast Asia. Skulking and elusive, it is more often heard than seen, delivering loud, ringing phrases at dawn. It forages by flicking and turning leaf litter to uncover hidden invertebrates.
Adult in Kaziranga National Park, possibly of ssp. mandelli
Near Kaeng Krachen Nat'l Park' - Thailand
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact in dense cover. Nests low or on the ground in a domed structure of leaves and grasses. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with antiphonal calls, especially during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of clear whistles that may accelerate or rise slightly in pitch, often delivered at dawn. Calls include sharp contact notes and scolding alarms while moving through undergrowth.
