The white-crested laughingthrush is a member of the family Leiothrichidae. It is a highly social and vocal bird found in forest and scrub from the Himalayan foothills to Southeast Asia.
Region
Himalayan foothills to Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Himalayan foothills of Nepal and northern India east through Bangladesh and Myanmar into southern China and Indochina, extending to Peninsular Malaysia. It favors forest edges, secondary forests, scrub, bamboo thickets, and overgrown clearings. The species readily uses disturbed habitats and gardens near forest. In some urban areas of Southeast Asia it persists in parks with dense shrubbery. Local introduced populations exist in a few cities.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Highly social, white-crested laughingthrushes move in cohesive, noisy flocks that often vocalize in chorus, giving the species its name. They practice cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting the breeding pair. Adaptable and bold, they frequent forest edges and secondary growth and can become locally common near human habitation. Escaped cage birds have established small introduced populations in some cities in Southeast Asia.
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim district, Sikkim, India.
Pair of White-crested-Laughingthrush in Nepal
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in cohesive flocks of 6–12 birds that move low through understory and thickets. They are cooperative breeders, with non-breeding helpers assisting with feeding and defense. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or low trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, rollicking choruses of cackles, chuckles, and bubbling laughs delivered by several flock members at once. Also gives scolding chatters and whistles used to keep contact in dense cover.
