Wayanad Laughingthrush

The Wayanad laughingthrush, known scientifically as Pterorhinus delesserti, is a charming bird endemic to the Western Ghats south of Goa in India. It boasts brown upperparts, a striking white throat, and a distinctive broad black mask through the eye. The heavy bill is notable for its pale yellow lower mandible. This species is not confined to the Wayanad region alone but is found across a wider range, unlike its four other south Indian counterparts that prefer higher elevation hills.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Wayanad laughingthrush, look for its dark brownish-grey upperparts and the black mask that contrasts with the white throat. The breast is a muted grey, transitioning to a rufous belly and underside. The tail is uniformly colored and darker than the back. One can distinguish it from the similar rufous-vented laughingthrush by noting the pale lower mandible and the absence of rufous outer tail feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical or tropical moist forests, where it can be found from the plains to the higher hills of southern India.

Distribution

The Wayanad laughingthrush is patchily distributed south of Goa, with sightings near Goa, Castle Rock, Karwar, Dandeli, and Bhatkal, although it is rarer in the northern part of its range. Its presence extends to the Brahmagiris, Nilgiris, and southward to the Ashambu hills.

Behaviour

The Wayanad laughingthrush is known for its sociable nature, often moving in groups that can range from six to an impressive forty birds. They are ground feeders, foraging by turning over leaves to uncover insects, seeds, or berries. Despite their loud, shrill chattering and cackling calls, they tend to be elusive, preferring to remain hidden in the undergrowth.

Song & Calls

Their vocal repertoire includes a variety of loud calls, such as churring and chirping notes. Some of their calls bear a resemblance to those of the rufous babbler.

Breeding

Breeding peaks during the monsoons, from April to August in Kerala and July to September in Karnataka, though they may breed at other times. Their nests are untidy cups of grass with a dome, placed low in bushes. Typically, three spherical white eggs are laid per clutch. Interestingly, more than a pair of birds have been observed near a nest, suggesting cooperative breeding behavior.

Similar Species

The rufous-vented laughingthrush is similar in appearance but can be differentiated by its yellow throat and all-dark bill, as well as its geographically disjunct range.

Diet and Feeding

The Wayanad laughingthrush primarily feeds on the ground, searching for insects, fallen seeds, and berries by flipping over foliage.

Conservation status

The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.