Red-eyed Scimitar Babbler
Erythrogenys imberbis
红眼钩嘴鹛
Introduction
A passerine bird in the babbler family Timaliidae. Endemic to eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand. Formerly classified as a subspecies of the rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler until split as a distinct species in 2024 based on morphological and vocalization differences. Distinguished by its red iris, which gives the species its common name, and the absence of breast streaking in most individuals.
Description
A medium-sized babbler with distinctive red irises that set it apart from its relatives. The bill is dark, and the lore (the area between the eye and bill) is grey. The ear coverts are brown-orange in coloration. Most individuals lack the breast streaking seen in similar species, providing a key identification feature.
Identification
The red iris is the most distinctive field mark, differentiating this species from other scimitar babblers. The dark bill, grey lore, and brown-orange ear coverts are additional distinguishing features. The lack of breast streaking on most individuals further separates it from the rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler and related species.
Distribution & Habitat
Restricted to eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand. The nominate subspecies E. i. imberbis occurs in Kayah State, Myanmar, while E. i. celata is found in Shan State, Myanmar and northwest Thailand. Inhabits forest habitats within this limited range.
Behavior & Ecology
No detailed behavioral information provided in available sources.
Conservation
No conservation assessment information provided.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Timaliidae
- Genus
- Erythrogenys
Subspecies (2)
-
Erythrogenys imberbis celata
Shan States, eastern Myanmar, and northwestern Thailand
-
Erythrogenys imberbis imberbis
Karenni (eastern Myanmar)
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.