Trochalopteron morrisonianum
The White-whiskered Laughingthrush, *Trochalopteron morrisonianum*, is a strikingly handsome, medium-sized passerine endemic to the mountains of Taiwan. Measuring approximately 26-28 cm in length and weighing 66-83 g, its plumage is a vibrant tapestry of olive-green on the back and wings, contrasting sharply with rich chestnut underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, giving it its common name, is the prominent white malar stripe, or 'whisker', set against a dark face. A bright yellow patc...
Found primarily in dense evergreen broadleaf forests, mixed deciduous forests, and bamboo thickets at elevations between 1500-3000 meters in Taiwan's central mountain ranges.
Omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects (beetles, caterpillars, spiders) and other invertebrates, supplemented with fruits (especially berries), seeds, and occasionally nectar.
White-whiskered Laughingthrushes are diurnal and highly social, often foraging in noisy flocks of 6-20 individuals, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks. They primarily forage on the ground, vigorously probing leaf litter with their bills and gleaning insects from low vegetation, but will al...
The White-whiskered Laughingthrush is strictly endemic to the island of Taiwan, inhabiting the central mountain ranges. Its primary distribution lies within the high-altitude evergreen broadleaf forests and bamboo thickets, typically between 1500 and 3000 meters (approx. 4,900-9,800 ft) above sea...
Least Concern
- The White-whiskered Laughingthrush is one of Taiwan's 32 endemic bird species, meaning it is found nowhere else on Earth. - Its scientific name, *morrisonianum*, refers to Mount Morrison (Yushan), Taiwan's highest peak, where the species is commonly found. - The 'whisker' is actually a prominen...