The scarlet-faced liocichla is a bird in the family Leiothrichidae. The species was recently reclassified as separate from the red-faced liocichla, although some taxonomists consider it to be conspecific. It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China.
Region
Southeast Asia and southern China
Typical Environment
Occurs in the forested hills and lower mountains of southern China and mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, northwestern Thailand, northern Vietnam, and adjacent areas. Prefers dense, shrubby understory in evergreen broadleaf and mixed montane forests, including edges, secondary growth, and bamboo thickets. Often keeps to cover along forest trails and clearings but will move up into mid-story when foraging. Frequently found in areas with a well-developed shrub layer and tangled vines.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A member of the laughingthrush family (Leiothrichidae), the scarlet-faced liocichla was split from the red-faced liocichla complex based on differences in plumage and vocalizations. It is a shy, undergrowth-loving bird best detected by its rich, whistled song. Pairs often duet, and the species frequently joins mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense understory. Monogamous pairs maintain small territories during the breeding season and build cup-shaped nests low in shrubs. Outside breeding, they often accompany mixed-species flocks, moving methodically through tangles and bamboo.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow, fluted whistles, often rising and falling in short phrases. Pairs may duet antiphonally, and contact calls are soft, scolding chips from deep cover.
Plumage
Olive-green body with a deep scarlet face and throat framed by darker borders; wings show bright red panels with yellow edging and dark flight feathers. The crown is slightly gray-olive, back and tail olive with contrasting red and dark tones on the tail. Underparts olive to yellow-olive with subtle rufous and yellow highlights on wing coverts.
Diet
Consumes a mix of insects and other small invertebrates along with berries and small fruits. Gleans prey from leaves, twigs, and bamboo culms, and will probe among leaf litter and mossy branches. Seasonal availability of fruits can influence diet composition, with more arthropods taken during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in dense shrubs, bamboo thickets, and at forest edges where cover is abundant. Often works methodically along shaded trails and clearings, occasionally moving up into the mid-story when following mixed flocks.
