White-throated Laughingthrush

The White-bellied Treepie, Dendrocitta leucogastra, is a striking member of the crow family, Corvidae, endemic to the lush forests of southern India. This bird is easily distinguished by its contrasting plumage, with a predominantly white head and underparts, a chestnut-brown back, and black wings adorned with a white patch. The rump is white, adding to its distinctive appearance. The tail is a curious mix of silver-grey and black, with the central feathers displaying a two-thirds silver-grey base and a black terminal third, while the other tail feathers are entirely black. The bird's beak and legs are a stark black, and the legs have a greyish tinge.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-bellied Treepie, look for its sizeable 48 cm length and the unique coloration. The white neck and underparts contrast sharply with the black throat, breast, and thighs. The chestnut of the back and the white patch on the wings are key features to look for. The tail's distinctive color pattern is also a reliable identification marker.

Habitat

This species favors more dense forest environments and is less commonly found in areas with significant human habitation compared to its relative, the Rufous Treepie.

Distribution

The White-bellied Treepie is primarily found in the Western Ghats, typically south of Goa. There have been occasional sightings outside its main range, including Erimalai near Dharmapuri, the Surat Dangs, and the southeastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. However, a record from central India has been met with skepticism.

Behaviour

The White-bellied Treepie exhibits a varied diet, consuming fruits, seeds, nectar, invertebrates, reptiles, rodents, nestlings, and eggs. Its behavior when calling is quite distinctive; the bird bows and droops its wings. During the pre-monsoon breeding season, which peaks around April and May, several birds may congregate in a single tree and call repeatedly. This species is also known to participate in mixed-species foraging flocks, often alongside the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

Song & Calls

The calls of the White-bellied Treepie are distinct and serve as an excellent identification tool, especially when distinguishing it from the sympatric Rufous Treepie.

Breeding

Breeding season for the White-bellied Treepie occurs mainly in April and May, with some nesting activity beginning as early as February. The nest is a twig platform situated in a medium-sized tree. Typically, three ashy grey eggs adorned with green and grey blotches are laid.

Similar Species

The Rufous Treepie is the most similar species within its range, but the White-bellied Treepie can be easily differentiated by its coloration and vocalizations.

Diet and Feeding

The White-bellied Treepie has an omnivorous diet that includes a wide range of food items from fruits and seeds to small animals and bird eggs.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the White-bellied Treepie as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no significant threats to its population numbers.