Passeriformes / Timaliidae / Erythrogenys
Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
Erythrogenys erythrogenys · 锈脸钩嘴鹛
Introduction
A passerine bird in the babbler family Timaliidae, found in the Himalayas from northeast Pakistan to Bhutan. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests. The species feeds on insects, grubs, and seeds, often forming small groups.
Description
Olive-brown above with rusty colouring on the sides of the face, head, thighs, and flanks. The belly is mostly white. Sexes are alike. The beak is long and decurved in a scimitar shape.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in the Himalayas from northeast Pakistan to Bhutan, extending to Myanmar. Inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest habitats at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft). Three subspecies are recognised: E. e. erythrogenys in the west Himalayas (northeast Pakistan and north India), E. e. ferrugilatus in west and central Nepal, and E. e. haringtoni from east Nepal to east Bhutan.
Behavior & Ecology
Feeds mostly on the forest floor and in low canopy, forming small groups. Diet includes insects, grubs, and seeds. Vocalizations include a mellow, fluty whistle, a two-noted 'CUE..PE...CUE..pe' call followed by a single note replay by the mate, guttural alarm calls, and a liquid contact note. The species is generally quite noisy.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Timaliidae
- Genus
- Erythrogenys
Taxonomy Changes
Pomatorhinus erythrogenys → Erythrogenys erythrogenys
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Vocalizations
Subspecies (3)
-
Erythrogenys erythrogenys erythrogenys
Himalayas of northeastern Pakistan and northern India
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
