Chinese Hwamei

The Chinese hwamei, or melodious laughingthrush, is a passerine bird adorned with a distinctive marking reminiscent of a painted eyebrow, hence its name "hwamei" derived from the Chinese 畫眉 (huà méi). This bird, with its reddish-brown plumage and striking white eye-ring, is a charming sight in the forests of eastern Asia.

Identification Tips

Adults measure between 21 to 25 cm in length, boasting broad, rounded wings and a fan-shaped tail. Their plumage is primarily reddish-brown, with dark streaks gracing the crown, back, and throat. A prominent white ring encircles the eye, extending back as a white stripe. The bill and feet present a yellowish hue. The subspecies on Hainan Island, L. c. owstoni, is paler below and more olive above, while the Taiwan hwamei is greyer, more streaked, and lacks the white head markings.

Habitat

The Chinese hwamei thrives in a variety of environments, including scrubland, open woodland, secondary forest, and even urban parks and gardens. It is well-adapted to altitudes up to 1800 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The species is native to southeastern and central China, northern and central Vietnam, and Laos. The subspecies G. c. owstoni is endemic to Hainan Island. Notably, the bird has been introduced to Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Hawaii, where it has established populations.

Behaviour

The Chinese hwamei is a rather elusive bird, often remaining hidden from view. It forages on the ground amidst leaf litter, searching for insects and fruit. Typically found in pairs or small groups, this bird is known for its skulking nature.

Song & Calls

The melodious laughingthrush lives up to its name with a loud, clear, and varied whistling song, which includes regular repetition and mimicry of other birds' calls. Its call is a distinctive rasping whistle or rattle.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from May to July. The Chinese hwamei constructs a large cup-shaped nest within a tree or bush, or amongst undergrowth, usually no more than two meters off the ground. The female lays a clutch of two to five blue or blue-green eggs.

Similar Species

The Taiwan hwamei, once considered a subspecies, is now recognized as a separate species. It is greyer, more streaked, and lacks the white head markings of the Chinese hwamei.

Diet and Feeding

This bird's diet consists of insects and fruit, which it forages for among the leaf litter on the forest floor.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Chinese hwamei as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers. However, the introduction of the species to Taiwan has led to hybridization with the native Taiwan hwamei, potentially jeopardizing the genetic distinctiveness of the latter.