The scaly babbler is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in eastern Ethiopia, northern and eastern Kenya, and much of Somalia, favoring dry thornbush, acacia scrub, and open dry woodland. It frequents semi-arid savannas, dry riverine thickets, and bushy hillsides with scattered shrubs. The species typically keeps close to the ground or low vegetation, moving in and out of cover while foraging. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forests and extremely barren desert with no shrub cover.
Altitude Range
0–1700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The scaly babbler is a gregarious, ground-oriented songbird noted for its distinctive scalloped plumage. It often travels in noisy family groups, keeping contact with constant chatter and performing cooperative activities like sentinel behavior. Its long, graduated tail aids balance as it forages through thorny scrub. The species is adapted to arid and semi-arid habitats across the Horn of Africa.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found in family parties or small flocks that maintain contact with frequent chatter. Groups forage cooperatively and may use sentinels while others feed. Nesting is in dense shrubs or low trees; pairs are monogamous and may receive help from group members. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of harsh chatters, rattles, and scolding notes, often in overlapping chorus from the group. Calls include sharp contact notes and excited bursts when alarmed. Song bouts are noisy and communal rather than strongly musical.
Plumage
Overall dusky brown with conspicuous pale edging to each feather, creating a scalloped or scaly effect on mantle, breast, and flanks. Underparts and back show the strongest scaling; wings and tail are plain brown with a slightly rufous tinge.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars. It also takes small quantities of fruit and seeds, especially in the dry season when insects are scarce. Foraging involves gleaning from the ground and low shrubs, turning leaf litter and probing crevices.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds within thorn scrub, acacia thickets, and along dry riverbeds with scattered cover. It favors ecotones and patches of low bush where it can move quickly between cover while staying close to the ground.
