The red-winged laughingthrush is a bird species in the family Leiothrichidae.
Region
Southwest China and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and mixed forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. It favors thickets of bamboo and rhododendron, often near streams and steep forested slopes. Birds typically remain within shaded understory and midstory layers, venturing to edges to feed. The range centers on southwestern China with extension into adjacent parts of northern Myanmar and northern Indochina where similar habitats occur.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the family Leiothrichidae, the red-winged laughingthrush is named for its vivid crimson wing panels that flash in flight. It keeps to dense undergrowth and often moves in small, noisy parties that give rollicking, laughing choruses. Although locally trapped for the cage-bird trade, it remains fairly common across suitable habitat. Its skulking habits make it more often heard than seen.
Red-winged Laughing Thrush in Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, Canada
Temperament
shy but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the understory. Territorial during the breeding season, with both sexes participating in nest defense. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Typically monogamous with cooperative vigilance while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal and expressive, delivering rolling, laughing phrases interspersed with rich whistles. Groups often engage in antiphonal choruses that carry through the forest. Calls include scolding chatters when disturbed.
Plumage
Sleek, mostly slate-gray to dark gray plumage with a contrasting blackish face and throat and bold crimson-red wing panels on the secondaries and coverts.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and leaf litter. Also consumes berries and small fruits, especially in the non-breeding season. Will occasionally take seeds and small snails. Foraging is methodical, with short hops and probing in tangles and on the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense undergrowth and along forest edges, especially in bamboo and shrub thickets. Frequently forages near streams, trails, and landslides where insects and fallen fruits are plentiful.
