Passeriformes / Leiothrichidae / Trochalopteron
Red-winged Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron formosum · 红翅噪鹛
Introduction
A species in the family Leiothrichidae found in south-west China and north-west Vietnam. It inhabits forest, secondary growth, scrub, and bamboo at elevations from 900 to 3,000 metres. The bird is elusive, traveling in pairs or small groups in dense cover near the forest floor.
Description
27 to 28 centimetres (11 inches) long. Plumage is mostly brown with large areas of red in the wings and tail. The crown and ear-coverts are grey with dark streaks, and the throat is dark. The bill and feet are blackish.
Identification
Similar to the red-tailed laughingthrush, but distinguished by a grey crown with dark streaks rather than rufous, and a less grey back and breast. Produces a loud, whistling song.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in south-west China (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guangxi provinces) and north-west Vietnam. Inhabits forest, secondary growth, scrub, and bamboo from 900 to 3,000 metres (2,950 to 9,840 ft) above sea level. Ten individuals were introduced to the Isle of Man in 1990; wild breeding was confirmed in 1996, but the population is believed to have died out by 2017.
Behavior & Ecology
Elusive; travels in pairs or small groups in dense cover near the forest floor. Breeding takes place during June and July in China. Little else is known about reproductive habits.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Trochalopteron
Subspecies (2)
-
Trochalopteron formosum formosum
southwestern China (southwestern Sichuan, northeastern Yunnan, and southern Guangxi)
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.
