Passeriformes / Leiothrichidae / Pterorhinus
Giant Babax
Pterorhinus waddelli · 大草鹛
Introduction
A species in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae. Found in northeast India and southern Tibet, preferring low bushes at the edge of the southern Tibetan plateau. It adapts to both dry and cold mountain habitats and is commonly seen around villages and monasteries, where it feeds on scraps. Threatened by habitat loss.
Description
A bulky, long-tailed brown bird with a curved bill and dark streaks. Adults measure 31-34 cm (12-13 in) in length.
Distribution & Habitat
Occurs in northeast India and southern Tibet, occupying low bushes at the edge of the southern Tibetan plateau. Adapts to both dry and cold mountain habitats. Also frequently found around villages and monasteries.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists of insects (Lepidoptera and Diptera) and berries in summer, and crop seeds, berries, and plant rhizomes in winter. Breeding season lasts from May to July. Nests in willows (Salix longistamina), Rosa sericea, Populus szechuanica, Cotoneaster microphyllus, and elm trees, preferring areas dense with trees, close to water, but far from human settlements. Vocalizations include melodic flute-like notes and harsh jabbering sounds.
Conservation
Threatened by habitat loss.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Pterorhinus
Taxonomy Changes
Babax waddelli → Pterorhinus waddelli
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Ianthocincla waddelli → Pterorhinus waddelli
Genus transfer — GBIF Backbone Taxonomy uses the former name; AviList 2025 uses the current name.
Subspecies (2)
-
Pterorhinus waddelli jomo
south-central Tibet (Gyangtse region)
Data Sources
CBR Notes: IUCN红色名录等级由NT降为LC
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.
