- Spelaeornis oatesi
Identification
A small (10cm) dark brown Wren-Babbler.
- Prominent white shaft-streaks on flanks
- Longer tailed than Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler
- Darker above than Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler, browner below with fine black flecks below throat
- Males with broad white throat through centre of belly
- Female more rufous-chestnut than male
Distribution
Found in Mizoram (E India) and the Chin Hills of northern Burma.
Has a very small range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
It was formerly considered conspecific with Pale-throated Wren-Babbler, Grey-bellied Wren-Babbler and Naga Wren-Babbler.
Habitat
Montane broadleaf forest with thick undergrowth.1
Behaviour
Feeds on ants, small beetles and various other insects.
Very active species, usually foraging close to the ground, but not as exclusively ground-dwelling like the Pnoepyga Wren-Babblers.
Breeds from March to June in Burma, building an oval doom. Lays 3 whitish eggs.
Resident.1
References
- 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
- Clements, JF. 2010. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2010. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/Clements%206.5.xls/view
- Rasmussen, P. C. and Anderton, J. C. 2005. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Washington and Barcelona. Smithsonian Institute and Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-87334-67-9
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Chin Hills Wren-Babbler. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 13 March 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Chin_Hills_Wren-Babbler
