The rufous-cheeked laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the grey laughingthrush, G. maesi. It is found in China, Laos, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern China (notably Yunnan and Guangxi) extending into northern Vietnam and northern Laos. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest, foothill forest, and montane forest edges. Birds are most often found in dense understory, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets where cover is abundant. It tolerates some habitat disturbance and may use shrubby ravines and forest margins near villages.
Altitude Range
300–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This laughingthrush is a noisy, skulking understory bird recognized by its warm rufous cheek patch set against otherwise gray-brown plumage. It was formerly lumped with the Grey Laughingthrush (maesi) but differs in facial coloration and vocalizations. Family groups often move together through dense foliage, keeping contact with a rich chorus of chattering calls. Like many laughingthrushes, it forages near the ground and readily joins mixed-species flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy family parties moving through dense undergrowth. Often associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are typically placed low in shrubs or tangles; both parents likely share in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, musical chatter interspersed with rich whistles and scolding notes, delivered in bursts. Pairs may duet, and groups keep contact with harsh chacks and rolling, laughing phrases that carry through the understory.
Plumage
Overall gray-brown with a distinct rufous to chestnut patch on the cheeks, paler throat, and slightly darker tail. The underparts are dull gray with subtle brownish tones and fine, diffuse mottling. Feathers are soft and loose-textured, giving a somewhat fluffy appearance in the face and flanks.
Diet
Takes a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Also consumes berries and small fruits, especially in the non-breeding season. May occasionally take seeds and small snails.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly near the ground in dense shrubs, bamboo, and forest edge thickets. Frequently probes leaf litter, fallen branches, and vine tangles, often under shaded cover.
