Ianthocincla cineracea
The Moustached Laughingthrush (Ianthocincla cineracea) is a captivating medium-sized babbler, measuring 21-24 cm in length and weighing 49-65g. Its appearance is characterized by a distinctive facial pattern: a prominent black submoustachial stripe contrasting sharply with a white chin and throat, giving it its common name. The body plumage is largely greyish-brown on the upperparts, transitioning to a buffy-grey with a paler belly, often with a subtle greyish wash on the head and a faint sup...
Found primarily in dense undergrowth of broadleaf evergreen and pine-oak forests, as well as scrub and bamboo thickets, typically at elevations between 900 and 2,000 meters in montane and submontane regions.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, and larvae, supplemented with small snails, spiders, and occasionally berries or small fruits, typically foraged by gleaning from the ground and low vegetation.
Moustached Laughingthrushes are diurnal, spending their days foraging and communicating in small, cohesive parties of 3-10 individuals, occasionally joining larger mixed-species flocks. They are generally secretive, preferring to stay hidden in dense cover, especially in the low vegetation or on ...
The Moustached Laughingthrush has a fragmented but relatively widespread distribution across Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from southern China (specifically Yunnan and Guangxi provinces) westward into eastern Myanmar, then south through northern Laos, northern Vietnam, and northern T...
Least Concern
- The 'moustache' that gives this bird its name is a striking black submoustachial stripe contrasting with a white chin and throat. - Despite its loud, often boisterous calls, the Moustached Laughingthrush is remarkably shy and often heard much more often than seen. - It belongs to the diverse fa...