Black-faced Laughingthrush

The Black-faced Laughingthrush, scientifically known as Trochalopteron affine, is a charming bird belonging to the Leiothrichidae family. This avian species is adorned with a distinctive black face that contrasts with its otherwise greyish-brown plumage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Black-faced Laughingthrush, look for its eponymous black face, which is a key distinguishing feature. The bird's plumage is primarily greyish-brown, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its natural habitat.

Habitat

The Eastern Himalayas serve as the primary habitat for this species. Here, amidst the rugged terrain and verdant forests, the Black-faced Laughingthrush thrives, finding shelter and sustenance.

Distribution

The range of the Black-faced Laughingthrush extends from eastern Nepal through Arunachal Pradesh in India to Myanmar. It is also found in Bhutan and southeastern Tibet, with smaller, disjunct populations scattered across continental Southeast Asia.

Behaviour

Observations of the Black-faced Laughingthrush reveal a bird that is as enigmatic as its habitat. Its behavior in the wild, while not extensively documented, is consistent with that of other laughingthrushes, which are known for their sociable and vocal nature.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Black-faced Laughingthrush as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.