Pteruthius melanotis
The Black-eared Shrike-babbler (Pteruthius melanotis) is a striking and active passerine, known for its vibrant plumage and complex taxonomic history. Males are particularly arresting, boasting bright olive-green upperparts, a vivid yellow supercilium, and diagnostic velvety black ear-coverts that contrast sharply with their yellow throat and underparts, often with an orange wash on the flanks. Females share the olive-green back but typically have greyish ear-coverts and a duller yellow under...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, the Black-eared Shrike-babbler inhabits elevations typically ranging from 900 to 2,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, larvae, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and bark, supplemented occasionally with small berries or fruits.
Black-eared Shrike-babblers are highly diurnal, spending their days actively foraging through the mid-canopy and sub-canopy. They are often seen as key members of mixed-species foraging flocks, moving quickly through foliage to glean insects and larvae from leaves and bark. Their foraging techniq...
The Black-eared Shrike-babbler is a resident species widely distributed across the montane regions of Southeast Asia. Its range extends from the central Himalayas, covering Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India, northern Myanmar, and parts of Yunnan in southern China. Further south, populations inhabit ...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Pteruthius* is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning 'winged bird', while *melanotis* refers to its 'black ears'. - Despite its name 'shrike-babbler', recent molecular studies have reclassified it from the Old World babbler family (Timaliidae) to the New World vireo family (Vireon...