Alternative names: Crimson-faced Liocichla; Crimson-faced Laughingthrush
- Liocichla phoenicea
Identification
21 - 23cm (8¼-9 in). A small laughingthrush-like Babbler.
- Large crimson to scarlet patch on face and side of neck
- Red wing-slash
- Black tail with reddish-rufous tip
- Brown plumage
- Black lateral crown-stripe
Distribution
Found in southeast Asia in the Himalayas from Bhutan east to Assam, locally in southern China (Yunnan) and northwest Burma. Although the type specimen was collected in Nepal there are no definite records from the country nowadays.
Common in parts of its range, but status not assessed due lack of data.
Taxonomy
Formerly treated conspecific with Scarlet-faced Liocichla.
Also thought to be a Laughingthrush and included in genus Garrulax by some. Recent molecular studies support the treatment as a Liocichla.
Subspecies
Two subspecies usually accepted[2]:
- L. p. phoenicea in the Himalayas from Nepal (type specimen but no definite records) to Bhutan and Assam (India)
- L. P. bakeri from south Assam to northwest Burma and nortwest Yunnan (China)
Habitat
Dense undergrowth in broadleaf evergreen forest, ravines, bamboo jungle, near swamps. In the Himalayas at 500m to 2500m.
Behaviour
Usually seen singly, in pairs or small groups of 4 or 5 birds. Sometimes in bird-waves. Generally skulking and unobtrusive, feeding in the undergrowth and on the ground.
Diet
Feeds on insects, berries and seeds.
Breeding
Breeding season from March to September in Bhutan. The nest is a deep, compact cup made of dry bamboo or other leaves. It's placed low in a bush or a sapling. Lays 2 - 4 (usually 3) eggs.
Movements
Resident.
References
- Avibase
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. 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. (2024) Red-faced Liocichla. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 5 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Red-faced_Liocichla
External Links
