The rufous-crowned babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland and adjacent Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland rainforests of Brunei, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra), Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak), southern Myanmar, southern Thailand, and parts of the western Philippines. It favors primary and well-structured secondary forests with dense understory. Birds are typically found in thickets, vine tangles, and along forest edges and stream margins. Fragmentation reduces occupancy, and it is much less common in heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory specialist, the rufous-crowned babbler keeps to dense, moist lowland forests where it forages quietly in pairs or small groups. It often joins mixed-species flocks, which helps reduce predation risk and improves foraging efficiency. Ongoing deforestation in Sundaland is the primary threat to this species.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation, with both parents participating in care. Territorial during breeding but tolerant of close neighbors in good habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases repeated at intervals, often delivered from concealed perches. Also gives thin chips and scolding chatters when alarmed, with pairs sometimes duetting.
Plumage
Warm rufous crown and nape contrasting with olive-brown upperparts and buffy underparts; face slightly paler with fine, diffuse streaking. Feathers are soft and loose-textured, aiding a sleek, rounded appearance in dense foliage.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and ants. Gleans methodically from leaves, twigs, and tangled vines, and occasionally probes bark crevices. May take small berries opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense understory, vine tangles, and bamboo thickets inside mature and lightly disturbed forest. Often forages along shaded trails and stream edges where insect activity is high.
