The snowy-cheeked laughingthrush, also known as Sukatschev's laughingthrush, is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is endemic to northern China where its natural habitat is temperate forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Northern China, East Asia
Typical Environment
The snowy-cheeked laughingthrush inhabits temperate broadleaf and mixed forests with dense shrub layers. It favors thickets, forest edges, ravines, and secondary growth where cover is plentiful. Populations are patchy due to habitat fragmentation, occurring in mountainous areas with intact understory. It generally avoids open habitats and highly disturbed areas, remaining close to forest cover.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Sukatschev's laughingthrush, this species belongs to the babbler family Leiothrichidae and is confined to northern China. It keeps to dense undergrowth, where it is more often heard than seen, delivering a series of laughing, chattering notes. Habitat loss and fragmentation of temperate forests are the main threats to its survival.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, keeping to dense understory. It nests low in shrubs or small trees, building a cup-shaped nest. Pairs are likely monogamous, and family groups may remain together outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, varied series of chattering, chuckling, and laughing phrases typical of laughingthrushes. Calls include sharp scolds and whistles used to maintain contact in dense cover.
