The silver-eared laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in southern Yunnan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the chestnut-crowned laughingthrush, G. erythrocephalus.
Region
Southern China and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical and tropical montane evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, and dense secondary growth. It is commonly found along forest edges, clearings, and along shaded trails where understory cover is abundant. Birds often descend to the ground to scratch in leaf litter but will also move through mid-story tangles. It adapts reasonably well to lightly disturbed habitats, including tea gardens and village edges near forest.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The silver-eared laughingthrush is a lively, vocal babbler known for its striking pale ear patch bordered by a dark mask. It forages in small, noisy parties that rummage through shrubs and leaf litter for insects and berries. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the chestnut-crowned laughingthrush, it is now widely recognized as a distinct species. Its tolerance of secondary growth and forest edges helps it persist in human-modified landscapes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and bounding between cover
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small, loose flocks that keep contact with constant chatter. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or low trees. During the breeding season pairs become more territorial but may still associate loosely with neighboring birds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes rich whistles, chatters, and chuckling phrases that can sound like laughter. Calls are repeated, carrying well through dense vegetation, and groups often chorus together.
Plumage
Warm brown-olive upperparts with grayish underparts and rufous-washed flanks; texture is smooth with subtle scaling on the breast. Head shows a contrasting dark mask framing a distinctive pale, silvery ear patch. Wings and tail have olive tones with slightly brighter edging.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, supplemented by berries and small fruits. It will occasionally take seeds and soft plant material when fruit or insects are scarce. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, where it flips leaves and probes among roots and moss.
Preferred Environment
Prefers dense understory in montane forest, forest edges, and bamboo patches. Frequently forages along shaded paths, thickets, and clearings with abundant leaf litter and low cover.
