Banasura Laughingthrush

The Banasura laughingthrush, a medium-sized songbird, presents a striking appearance with its black face and throat, white supercilia, and a contrasting gray breast. The bird's ochre belly and olive back, wings, and tail add to its distinctive look. With a length ranging between 203 and 230 cm and a weight between 36 and 52 g, this species is a visual treat for birdwatchers. Both sexes share similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Identification Tips

To identify the Banasura laughingthrush, look for its black bill, crimson irises, and brownish legs. The bird's gray breast sets it apart from the Nilgiri laughingthrush, while its black chin distinguishes it from the Palani and Ashambu laughingthrushes. Within its range, it is the sole representative of its genus, simplifying identification.

Habitat

The Banasura laughingthrush is primarily found in shola forests, a type of high-altitude stunted tropical montane forest, at elevations between 1,400 and 2,400 meters.

Distribution

This bird has a highly restricted distribution, endemic to a series of sky islands in the Western Ghats of South India. Its fragmented populations are located from the Brahmagiri Hills of Kodagu to Vavul Mala in Kerala, with notable presences at Banasura Hill in Wayanad, Chembra Peak, and Vellarimala.

Behaviour

The Banasura laughingthrush is known for its sedentary nature, typically foraging in the midstory and lower canopy of shola forests. It hops among branches, feeding on a diet of fruits and insects.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Banasura laughingthrush includes a series of loud, nasally whistles that can vary in complexity. While similar to the Nilgiri laughingthrush's song, the Banasura's tends to be more complex, with a range of 2 to 6-note variations.

Conservation Status

With an estimated population of only 500-2,500 adults and a range under 57 km², the Banasura laughingthrush is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Habitat fragmentation further exacerbates its vulnerability to decline. The Carmel Hump Mountains Important Bird Area has been designated to protect this species' critical habitat.