Montecincla jerdoni
The Banasura Laughingthrush (*Montecincla jerdoni*) is a striking passerine bird endemic to the high-altitude montane shola forests of the central Western Ghats in India. This medium-sized laughingthrush measures approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.7 inches) in length, featuring olive-brown upperparts and distinctive facial markings. Its head pattern is a key identifier: a broad white supercilium contrasts sharply with a blackish lateral crown stripe and a prominent black eye-stripe extending to the ...
Exclusively inhabits dense montane evergreen forests (sholas) and their associated grasslands, preferring the undergrowth at elevations typically between 900 and 2000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on insects, including beetles and caterpillars, supplemented with various berries and small seeds.
Banasura Laughingthrushes are primarily diurnal, active within the dense undergrowth and lower canopy of shola forests. They are highly social, typically observed in pairs or small family parties, and often join mixed-species foraging flocks, moving purposefully through vegetation. Foraging is ma...
The Banasura Laughingthrush is an endemic resident of the central Western Ghats, restricted to specific high-altitude montane forest patches (sholas) and grasslands. Its primary distribution includes the Banasura, Chembra, and Vellarimala hill ranges within the Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram ...
Least Concern
- The 'Banasura' in its name refers to the Banasura Hills, a major stronghold of its restricted range in the Western Ghats. - It is one of only four species in the genus *Montecincla*, all of which are endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range of India. - This species was formerly classified un...