The Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae. It is found in Northeast India, Southeast Asia and adjacent parts of southern China. It has a long reddish-orange decurved bill that is typical of Scimitar-Babblers, a rather long white supercilium, and brown upperparts and tail. Sexes are similar.
Region
Southeast Asia and southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs from Northeast India and Myanmar through Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam into southern China (e.g., Yunnan and Guangxi). It inhabits subtropical and tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often favoring dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets. Also found in mature secondary growth, forest edges, and ravines with thick shrub layers. Typically keeps close to the ground or low midstory, moving through tangled vegetation. Skulking habits make it more often heard than seen.
Altitude Range
200–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking understory specialist, the Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler uses its long, curved red bill to probe leaf-litter, moss, and bamboo tangles for hidden prey. Pairs often perform antiphonal duets and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. Its bold white eyebrow (supercilium) and dark facial mask help distinguish it in dim forest light.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; low, fluttering hops between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the understory. Nests are typically placed low in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care. Territorial duetting between pair members is common during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, fluty whistles often in alternating duets, with rising and falling phrases. Calls include sharp tchik notes and mellow, ringing whistles that carry through dense forest.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous tones, paler buffy underparts, and a contrasting white supercilium over a dusky facial mask; throat often whitish to buff. Tail is brown and fairly long; overall plumage is plain but with strong facial contrast.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates such as spiders, beetle larvae, and small snails. Uses its curved bill to probe leaf-litter, mossy logs, epiphytes, and bamboo joints. Occasionally takes small berries or seeds, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory of evergreen forest, bamboo thickets, and along forested ravines. Often keeps within a meter or two of the ground, working methodically through tangles and leaf-litter.
