Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler (Erythrogenys erythrogenys)
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler

Erythrogenys erythrogenys

The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, a bird of subtle charm, is adorned in an olive-brown plumage with a distinctive rusty hue gracing the sides of its face, head, thighs, and flanks. The belly of this avian wonder is predominantly white, offering a stark contrast to its warmer tones. Both sexes share this similar attire, making them indistinguishable in the field. The species' beak is a notable feature, long and decurved, resembling the shape of a scimitar from which its name is derived.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify this elusive bird, look for its characteristic rusty cheeks and the unique curvature of its beak. The overall olive-brown coloration with white underparts is also a key feature to observe. The sexes appear similar, so focus on these physical attributes rather than any sexual dimorphism.

Habitat

The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler is a denizen of subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is most comfortably found at elevations reaching up to 2600 meters, where the air is crisp and the foliage dense.

Distribution

This species has made its home in the majestic Himalayas, extending its range through to the verdant landscapes of Myanmar. It is a bird that has embraced the varied elevations and climates of South-East Asia.

Behaviour

In the wild, the Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler is a sociable creature, often seen foraging in small groups. It is a ground dweller, preferring the forest floor and lower canopies for its explorations. The bird is known for its vocal nature, contributing a symphony of sounds to the forest ambiance.

Song & calls

The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler communicates through a repertoire of sounds, including a mellow, fluty whistle and a distinctive two-noted "CUE..PE…CUE..pe" call. This call is often followed by a single note response from its mate. Additionally, the species emits guttural alarm calls and a liquid contact note, ensuring constant communication within the group.

Diet and Feeding

A forager by nature, this babbler's diet consists of insects, grubs, and seeds. Its feeding habits are a testament to its adaptability, thriving on the diverse bounty that the forest floor and lower canopy provide.

Conservation status

The Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It appears that, for now, this species enjoys a stable existence within its natural habitat.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babblers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Babblers, Scimitar Babblers

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.