The scaly laughingthrush is a bird species in the family Leiothrichidae.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and adjacent Southwest China and northern Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occupies dense undergrowth of subtropical to temperate montane forests, including rhododendron-oak woodlands and bamboo thickets. Prefers shaded slopes, forest edges, and clearings with thick shrub layers. Often stays close to the ground, moving through leaf litter and low vegetation. Occurs from the central and eastern Himalayas east into parts of Yunnan and northern Myanmar, with local continuity where suitable habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1200–3350 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Despite the name, the 'scaly' look comes from pale feather edges that create a scalloped pattern, not actual scales. It is a shy understory bird that often forages in pairs or small parties and may join mixed-species flocks. Its ringing, laughter-like calls are typical of laughingthrushes and carry well through montane forests.
Garrulax subunicolor from Eaglenest WLS, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Temperament
secretive yet social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, reluctant flier
Social Behavior
Usually forages in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks with other understory insectivores. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Both parents participate in feeding the young, and family parties can persist after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include rich, laughing phrases, chuckles, and clear whistles delivered from concealed perches. Pairs sometimes duet, and calls carry well through forested ravines.
Plumage
Overall brown to olive-brown with pale fringes on feathers of the head, mantle, and underparts that produce a distinctive 'scaly' or scalloped appearance. Wings and tail are darker with subtle rufous or olive tones. Feathers are soft and loose, aiding a stealthy, skulking look in dense cover.
Diet
Takes insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods from leaf litter and low foliage. Also consumes berries, small fruits, and seeds, especially outside the peak insect season. Will probe mossy trunks and fallen logs and occasionally snatch small snails or other invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds close to the ground in dense undergrowth, bamboo patches, and along forest edges. Often follows trails or streamside thickets where cover is abundant and prey is concentrated.
