The striated laughingthrush is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It was at one time placed in the genus Garrulax but following the publication of a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study in 2018, it was moved to be the only species in the resurrected genus Grammatoptila.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs in the eastern Himalayas from Bhutan and northeastern India (including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and neighboring hill states) into northern Myanmar and southwest China (southeastern Tibet and Yunnan). It inhabits moist, evergreen to mixed broadleaf montane forests, often with rhododendron and bamboo undergrowth. Birds frequently use forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where cover remains dense. They are typically secretive, keeping to mid-story and understory strata while foraging.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The striated laughingthrush is a forest-dwelling passerine of the eastern Himalayas and adjacent Southwest China, noted for its bold whitish streaking. Once placed in Garrulax, it is now the sole species in the genus Grammatoptila following molecular studies. It often moves in small, noisy parties through dense undergrowth and is more often heard than seen.
subspecies Grammatoptila striata cranbrooki from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small, chattering groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs or bamboo. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites, while non-breeding birds range more widely in loose parties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rich series of melodious whistles and chuckling phrases, interspersed with scolding notes. Calls are loud and varied, carrying well through dense vegetation and often revealing the bird’s presence.
Plumage
Overall dark brown to rufescent-brown with bold, pale whitish to buff streaking across the head, mantle, and underparts; wings and tail show warmer rufous tones.
Diet
Takes a mix of insects and other small invertebrates along with fruits and berries. Forages by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and mossy branches, and occasionally probes leaf litter. Will exploit fruiting shrubs and small trees within forest edges and clearings.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, bamboo thickets, and mid-story of moist montane forests. Often forages along trails, forest edges, and disturbed patches with intact cover.
