Variegated Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron variegatum
杂色噪鹛
Introduction
A medium-sized passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae. Endemic to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily occurring at low-to-mid altitudes of the Himalayas. Its range extends across Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Tibet. Characterized by its olive and buffy plumage with a distinctive black stripe running down the center of the throat.
Description
Measures 24-26 centimeters in length with a body mass of 57-79 grams. The species exhibits overall olive and buffy coloration with a prominent black stripe down the center of the throat. Features a large tail with a gray subterminal band and white tip. The face shows black coloration around the beak extending to the eye, interrupted by a white eye-ring. A buff patch at the base of the mandible fades to whitish. Two subspecies are recognized with variations in primary and rectrix coloration.
Identification
Distinguished by the combination of olive and buffy plumage, black throat stripe, and the large tail with gray subterminal band and white tip. The face pattern with black around the eye and white eye-ring is diagnostic. Subspecies T. v. variegatum shows yellow primary and secondary feathers with cinnamon-tipped greater coverts, while T. v. simile displays gray primary and secondary feathers with gray outer rectrices.
Distribution & Habitat
Occurs throughout the Himalayan region at low-to-mid elevations. Range includes Bhutan, northern India, Nepal, and Tibet. Inhabits forested mountain slopes and associated habitats within the Himalayan foothills and mid-elevation zones.
Behavior & Ecology
No detailed information available in the source text regarding diet, breeding behavior, social structure, or vocalizations.
Conservation
No detailed information available in the source text regarding conservation status, population trends, or threats.
Culture
No detailed information available in the source text regarding cultural significance or folklore.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Trochalopteron
- eBird Code
- varlau1
Subspecies (3)
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Trochalopteron variegatum nuristani
northeastern Afghanistan
-
Trochalopteron variegatum simile
northern and northeastern Pakistan eastward to northern India (northern Himachal Pradesh)
-
Trochalopteron variegatum variegatum
northern India (southern Himachal Pradesh eastward to Uttarakhand), east-central Nepal, and adjacent southern China (far southern Xizang)
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.