- Argya altirostris
Turdoides altirostris
Identification
With 20 - 24cm (7¾-9½ in) a small, but long-tailed Argya babbler:
- Curved bill
- Plain white and buff underparts
- Softly streaked upperparts
- No streaks on head
Sexes are similar.
Confusion species
The only other babbler within its range is the Afghan Babbler which is heavier streaked on the head, upperparts and on the breast. Mixed flocks may occur in Iran and Iraq.
Distribution
Found in the plains around the river Euphrates from SE Turkey (Birecik) through Syria to Iraq and adjacent SW Iran.
Resident species which has recently colonised Turkey and areas in Syria.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
This species is sometimes placed in genus Turdoides.
Habitat
Reedbeds, palm groves, gardens. Never far from the river and waterways.
Behaviour
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and spiders, foraging in groups in trees or on the ground. Usually 5 - 7 birds are together, but bigger flocks are possible.
Breeding
Breeding season from March to July. Rears two or even three broods annually. The nest is an untidy cup made of stems and lined with grass, leaves, rootlets and feathers. It's placed sheltered in a tree fork or in reeds. 3 - 4 eggs are laid.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. 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
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Iraq Babbler. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 19 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Iraq_Babbler
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.
