The white-throated babbler is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is endemic to Myanmar.
Region
Myanmar Dry Zone
Typical Environment
Most common across the central Dry Zone of Myanmar, extending through open scrub, secondary woodland, and agricultural mosaics. It readily uses human-modified habitats, including hedgerows, village compounds, and orchard edges. The species favors semi-arid plains with scattered bushes and thorny thickets, but also occurs along riverine scrub and forest margins. It typically forages from the ground up to low shrubs, avoiding dense closed-canopy forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This noisy, gregarious babbler is found only in Myanmar, where it frequents scrub, farmland edges, and village gardens. It travels in chattering parties and often fans its long tail while foraging on or near the ground. Groups commonly engage in cooperative behaviors such as sentinel watching and sometimes assist at nests. Its conspicuous white throat is flashed during displays and scolding bouts.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small, noisy groups that maintain close contact while foraging. Pairs or groups defend loose territories and may show cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting at the nest. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or thorny bushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of chattering scolds, nasal mews, and scratchy whistles delivered in bursts by multiple group members. Calls are loud and conversational, often accelerating during alarm or display.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly paler, buff-washed underparts and a crisp white throat that contrasts with the breast. Long, graduated tail with darker subterminal tones and softer, loose-textured feathers typical of babblers. Fine streaking may be present on the upper breast blending into buffy flanks.
Diet
Primarily takes insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from the ground, leaf litter, and low foliage. Supplements diet with berries, small fruits, and occasional seeds, especially outside peak insect seasons. Will opportunistically take small vertebrates or eggs when available. Foraging is methodical, with frequent tail-fanning and leaf-flipping.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along scrubby verges, hedgerows, and field margins, often near human habitation. Also uses dry woodland edges and riverine thickets where leaf litter and low cover are abundant.
