The red-eyed scimitar babbler, is a species of passerine bird in the babbler family Timaliidae. It is found in eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler until it was split in 2024 by the IOC and Clements checklist.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in hill and foothill forests of eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand, favoring evergreen and mixed deciduous woodland with dense understory. Regular in bamboo, secondary growth, and forest edge near ravines and streams. Typically keeps to shaded, tangled understory where it moves low and stays concealed. Often associates with small mixed flocks along forest margins.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A recently recognized split from the rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler, it is named for its striking red iris and long, downcurved “scimitar” bill. It is a shy understory specialist that is far more often heard than seen, giving loud duet-like whistles. Pairs and family parties creep through dense thickets, using their curved bill to probe leaf-litter and bark for hidden prey.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep in contact with soft calls. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation or bamboo tangles, with both sexes participating in care. Territorial during breeding but may join loose mixed-species flocks outside that period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles often delivered antiphonally by a pair, creating a rhythmic duet. Calls include sharp chacks and mellow, fluty phrases that carry through forest understory.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with rufous cheeks and a paler, slightly streaked throat and breast; underparts buffy to grayish. A clean, pale supercilium contrasts with darker ear-coverts, and the long, decurved bill is prominent. Tail is long and often held cocked; overall appearance is sleek but robust.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and larvae. Uses its curved bill to probe leaf-litter, moss, and bark crevices. Will opportunistically take small snails and occasionally small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages close to the ground in dense thickets, bamboo brakes, and along shaded forest edges. Often works slowly through leaf-litter and vine tangles near streams and gullies.
