The Wayanad laughingthrush is a species of laughingthrush in the family Leiothrichidae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats south of Goa in India. These laughingthrushes move in groups in dense forests, producing loud calls but tend to be hard to spot in the undergrowth. They have brown upperparts, a white throat, a broad black mask through the eye and a heavy bill with pale yellow on the lower mandible. Despite the name, derived from the Wayanad region, this species has a wider range than the four other south Indian species of laughingthrush that are restricted to the higher elevation hills.
Region
Western Ghats, India
Typical Environment
Occupies dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests along the Western Ghats south of Goa, including forest edges with thick shrub layers. It prefers tangled undergrowth, bamboo brakes, and thickets along stream gullies. The species occasionally uses well-shaded coffee and cardamom plantations adjoining intact forest. It remains close to cover and rarely ventures into open areas.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Wayanad laughingthrush is a shy undergrowth specialist of the Western Ghats, often heard before it is seen. It forages in small, noisy parties and gives a series of chuckling, ‘laughing’ calls. Unlike several other south Indian laughingthrushes confined to high hills, it ranges more widely at lower to mid-elevations. Ongoing habitat fragmentation and understory degradation are its main threats.
Temperament
social and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over the undergrowth
Social Behavior
Typically moves in pairs or small family parties, keeping close contact with frequent calls. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Breeding is thought to coincide with the pre-monsoon to monsoon period, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, chuckling series of notes that build into a ‘laughing’ chorus, often delivered antiphonally within a group. Also gives sharp scolds and harsh chatter when alarmed.
