Pterorhinus courtoisi
The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush, *Pterorhinus courtoisi*, is a striking passerine known for its distinctive cobalt-blue crown contrasting sharply with a black facial mask that extends to its ear-coverts. Measuring approximately 24-26 cm (9.5-10.2 inches) in length, its body plumage is predominantly grey-brown, becoming paler on the underparts, with a hint of olive wash on the back. Its unique blue head pattern, bright yellow orbital ring, and dark iris are key identification markers. Taxonomi...
This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, preferring areas with dense undergrowth, bamboo thickets, and scrub near broadleaf evergreen forests, typically at elevations between 100-1100 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, and larvae, supplemented with small fruits and berries, which they glean from vegetation and forage from the forest floor.
Blue-crowned Laughingthrushes are generally shy and elusive, often observed foraging in small, cohesive groups of 6-12 individuals, though pairs may be seen during breeding. They spend much of their day actively searching for food on the forest floor, flicking leaf litter and probing the soil wit...
The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush is an extreme endemic of southeastern China, with its entire known wild population restricted to two highly localized areas. The primary stronghold is situated in the Wuyuan County of Jiangxi Province, while a second, smaller population exists in Shexian County, An...
Critically Endangered
- The Blue-crowned Laughingthrush was only recognized as a distinct species in 2008, previously considered a subspecies. - It was believed to be extinct in the wild for several decades until captive birds were rediscovered in 1987 and a wild population in 2000. - With an estimated global populati...