The white-necked babbler is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Sundaland (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen forests across southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo (including Brunei), and parts of Sumatra and adjacent islands. Prefers primary forest but may use well-structured secondary growth and forest edges where understory remains dense. Often keeps close to the ground in tangled thickets, bamboo, and along stream gullies. Avoids open habitats and heavily degraded areas, retreating as forest is cleared.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory babbler of Sundaic lowland forests, it is most often detected by its ringing duets rather than seen. It relies on dense, humid forest with thick leaf litter and tangles, making it sensitive to logging and fragmentation. Pairs or small parties often join mixed-species flocks to glean insects from foliage and dead leaves.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups that keep in contact with soft calls. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks while foraging in the lower strata. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; both sexes likely participate in care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, ringing whistles often in duet between pair members, with phrases repeated several times. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatters given from concealed perches.
