The red-faced liocichla is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeast India and Bhutan through northern Myanmar to southwest China (notably Yunnan) and into northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors subtropical to lower montane evergreen broadleaf forests, forest edges, rhododendron thickets, and bamboo. The species typically keeps to dense understory and secondary growth, where it forages close to the ground. It adapts reasonably well to lightly disturbed habitats but depends on continuous shrubby cover.
Altitude Range
600–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The red-faced liocichla is a shy understory babbler best detected by its mellow, whistled song. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through dense shrubs and bamboo. Its vivid scarlet face and red-tipped wings and tail are striking in the dim forest. Pairs build a neat cup nest low in vegetation.
Temperament
secretive but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, and often associates with mixed-species flocks in the non-breeding season. Breeding pairs are territorial and nest low in dense shrubs or bamboo, constructing a neat cup of leaves and fine fibers. Both parents participate in care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of mellow, flute-like whistles that rise and fall in short phrases. Calls include soft chips and clear, piping notes used to keep contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive-green body with a bright scarlet face and throat, greyish crown and nape, and a vivid red wing panel edged with yellow. Tail is dark with red outer edges and tips; underparts are olive with subtle grey tones on the breast.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Also takes berries and small fruits, especially when invertebrate prey is scarce. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by probing in tangled understory and bamboo.
Preferred Environment
Dense shrub layers of evergreen forest, thickets, and bamboo stands near forest edges and along trails. Frequently forages 0–3 meters above ground and occasionally on the forest floor.
