The variegated laughingthrush is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is endemic to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily the low-to-mid altitudes of the Himalayas. It ranges across Bhutan, India, Nepal and Tibet.
Region
Himalayas
Typical Environment
Found from northern India through Nepal and Bhutan into southern Tibet, chiefly along the Himalayan foothills and mid-elevation slopes. It inhabits dense undergrowth in broadleaf and mixed montane forests, rhododendron and oak thickets, bamboo patches, and forest edges. The species also uses secondary growth, hedgerows, and shrubby ravines near villages. It is most frequently encountered in dense cover where it forages close to the ground.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The variegated laughingthrush is a lively, skulking songbird of the Himalayan foothills, often moving in small, noisy parties. Its name comes from the richly mottled, 'variegated' plumage and its bubbling, chuckling calls typical of laughingthrushes. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and performs short altitudinal shifts outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically moves in pairs or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species feeding parties. Breeding pairs build cup-shaped nests low in dense shrubs or thickets, with both sexes participating in care. Outside the breeding season, loose flocks roam along forest edges and undergrowth.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich series of chuckles, whistles, and bubbling notes that can sound like laughter. Calls include sharp scolds and mellow whistles, delivered from cover and during foraging.
Plumage
Densely mottled and scalloped plumage with a mix of olive-brown, grey, and buff tones, giving a distinctly variegated look. Underparts show fine scaling; wings often display warm rufous panels and yellowish edging. Tail is long with subtle barring and pale tips.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates gleaned from foliage and leaf litter. It also eats berries, small fruits, and seeds, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging is methodical and close to the ground, often accompanied by quiet chatter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense shrubs, bamboo clumps, and forest edges, often along ravines and thickets. Will also forage in secondary growth and hedgerows near human settlements.
