Actinodura souliei
The Streaked Barwing, *Actinodura souliei*, is an enchanting passerine belonging to the Old World Babbler family (Timaliidae), renowned for its distinctive plumage. Measuring approximately 22-24 cm in length, this medium-sized bird exhibits an overall warm brown coloration heavily streaked with dark brown on its head, back, and underparts, creating a unique 'streaked' appearance that gives it its common name. A prominent feature is the dark barring on its rufous-tinged wings and tail, along w...
This species primarily inhabits montane evergreen broadleaf forests, mixed broadleaf-conifer forests, and bamboo thickets. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters.
Its diet primarily consists of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates. It also consumes a significant amount of small fruits and berries, especially during the non-breeding season.
The Streaked Barwing is a diurnal species, often observed actively foraging in the mid-story and undergrowth, typically in small, cohesive family groups or, more commonly, as a prominent member of mixed-species foraging flocks, particularly with other babblers and laughingthrushes. Its foraging s...
The Streaked Barwing is endemic to mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, primarily found in southern China, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam. In China, its distribution spans Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou provinces. In Laos, it occurs in the northern provinces, and in Vietnam, it is f...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Actinodura* literally means 'rayed tail', referring to the distinct barred pattern on the tail feathers characteristic of this group. - Streaked Barwings are renowned for their highly social nature, frequently joining large mixed-species foraging flocks, often acting as a 'nucle...