Buffy Laughingthrush
Pterorhinus berthemyi
棕噪鹛
Introduction
A species of bird in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae. Formerly classified as a subspecies of the rusty laughingthrush (P. poecilorhynchus), which is now restricted to Taiwan following taxonomic revision. Distinguished from the rusty laughingthrush by its paler grey underparts, more contrasting rufous wings, broader white tips to the tail, and prominent black lores. Originally placed in the genus Garrulax, it was moved to Pterorhinus following molecular phylogenetic research published in 2018.
Description
A medium-sized passerine with distinctive plumage features. The upperparts are relatively subdued while the wings show contrasting rufous coloration. The underparts are pale grey. The tail features broad white tips. The face is characterized by distinct black lores, providing strong facial contrast. The species closely resembles the rusty laughingthrush but can be distinguished by its paler underparts and more vivid wing coloration.
Identification
Best distinguished from the similar rusty laughingthrush by its paler grey underparts versus the more rufous-toned underparts of its congener. The buffy laughingthrush shows more contrasting rufous wings and broader white tips to the tail. The distinct black lores provide a key facial marking for identification. These differences are most apparent when comparing individuals directly.
Distribution & Habitat
Occurs in eastern Asia following its taxonomic separation from the Taiwan-restricted rusty laughingthrush. No specific range details or habitat descriptions provided in available sources.
Behavior & Ecology
No detailed behavioral information available in current sources.
Conservation
No conservation assessment or population data available in current sources.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Pterorhinus
- eBird Code
- buflau1
Distribution
mountains of southeastern China (northwestern Yunnan, Gansu, and southern Sichuan eastward to Anhui, Zhejiang and northwestern Fujian)
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.