Elachura

The spotted elachura, also known as the spotted wren-babbler (Elachura formosa), is a unique bird species native to the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Initially grouped with babblers, this 10 cm bird is now recognized as the sole member of its own family, Elachuridae, due to molecular studies establishing its early divergence within passerines. The bird features a dark brown plumage with rufous wings and tail, and is distinguished by white speckles and black bars on its body. Inhabitants of subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, spotted elachuras thrive in dense undergrowth, particularly favoring environments rich with ferns, mossy rocks, decaying logs, and thick brush, typically near streams. Populations can be found across Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.