Emei Shan Liocichla
Liocichla omeiensis
灰胸薮鹛
Introduction
A passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. Endemic to mountain forest ranges in Southern Sichuan, China. An altitudinal migrant, occurring above 1000m in summer months and below 600m in winter. Closely related to the Bugun liocichla (described in 2006), which it strongly resembles. Inhabits thick bamboo stands and deep scrub forests within semi-tropical rainforest. Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss from logging and agricultural conversion. Some populations occur within protected areas, including the Emei Shan Protected Scenic Site.
Description
A medium-sized olive-grey colored bird. The plumage is predominantly olive-grey with distinctive red wing patches. The face displays grey plumage with a subtle red ring on each side. The combination of olive-grey body coloration, red wing patches, and facial markings provides the species' characteristic appearance.
Distribution & Habitat
Restricted endemic to mountain forest habitats in Southern Sichuan province, China. Occurs in semi-tropical rainforest undergrowth within thick bamboo stands and deep scrub forests. Displays altitudinal migration, moving to higher elevations above 1000m during summer breeding season and descending below 600m during winter months.
Behavior & Ecology
Herbivorous species that forages in the undergrowth of semi-tropical rainforest. Males possess highly distinctive individual songs and can be identified by their vocalizations. During breeding seasons, males whistle loudly in complex patterns to establish and maintain territories. Females do not vocalize. Nesting success has declined due to habitat disturbance; after disturbances, individuals tend to place nests higher in taller vegetation or in thornier trees for increased protection.
Conservation
IUCN assessment: Vulnerable. The primary threat is habitat loss through commercial logging and conversion of forestland to agriculture. Population trends indicate declining nesting success due to ongoing habitat degradation. Conservation measures include protection within designated reserves such as the Emei Shan Protected Scenic Site.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Liocichla
- eBird Code
- gyflio1
Distribution
mountains of southwestern China (central Sichuan on Mount Omei Shan)
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.