Alternative name: Red-billed Babbler
- Cyanoderma pyrrhops
Stachyris pyrrhops; Stachyridopsis pyrrhops
Identification
10cm (4 in). A dull biscuit-coloured Babbler:
- Monochromatic olive-buff plumage
- Diagnostic black lores and centre of throat
- Crown with fine dark streaks
- Red eye
Sexes similar.
Juvenile has reduced head markings.
Distribution
Found from northeast Pakistan (Muree Hills) east over north India to east Nepal.
Common in most of its range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Formerly placed in the genus Stachyris or in Stachyridopsis.
Habitat
Forest edge, secondary and open forest with low undergrowth, scrub-jungle, babmoo and hedgrows. Found at 245 - 2750m.
Behaviour
Resident species.
Usually seen in groups of up to 10 birds, often together with other species. Forages close to or on the ground.
Diet
Feeds on insects, and sometimes also on berries.
Breeding
Breeding season from April to August. The nest is a deep cup or loose dome made of dry grasses, dead leaves, woody stalks and plant fibres. It's placed in a bush, usually less than 0.6m above the ground. Lays 3 - 4 eggs.
Vocalisation
Recording by Alok Tewari
Sat Tal Forest, Alt. 5500 ft., Himalayas, India, April-2017
Single bird giving chik chik sound followed by a sonorous component; BG loud call by Great Barbet and sharp clicking sound by Fire-breasted Flowerpecker.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2018. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2018. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 12: Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553422
- Rasmussen, PC and JC Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334672
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Black-chinned Babbler. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-chinned_Babbler
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
