The streaked wren-babbler is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of northeastern India and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, southern China, and into Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, favoring dense, shaded understory. Birds are frequently found along steep ravines, streamside thickets, and bamboo or cane brakes. It tolerates secondary forest with intact undergrowth and will use scrubby edges near forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-loving babbler that creeps through dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets, rarely flying far. It often forages in pairs and may perform soft antiphonal duets. Several subspecies occur across South and Southeast Asia, showing subtle variation in streaking and tone. Despite being widespread, it is easily overlooked due to its secretive habits.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family parties, moving mouse-like through leaf litter and low tangles. Nests are typically placed low in dense cover, often domed or well-concealed. Pairs maintain small territories and may duet softly to keep contact.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, clear whistles delivered in short phrases, often given antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp chips and scolding notes from within cover.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed bird with heavily streaked brown upperparts and buffy underparts marked with dark streaks on the breast and flanks.
Diet
Primarily takes small invertebrates such as ants, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. It probes and flicks aside debris with its slightly decurved bill. Occasionally supplements its diet with small snails or other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor and in the lower understory, especially in dense thickets and bamboo. Frequently works along stream edges, gullies, and shaded ravines where leaf litter is deep.
