Spotted Elachura

Overview

The spotted elachura (Elachura formosa) is a passerine bird currently recognised as a monotypic taxon within the new family Elachuridae. Although previously classified as a babbler, molecular studies have shown it has no close living relatives within the passerine clade. It is found in the forests of the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia.

Identification

• Measures 10 cm in length, including a short tail.
• Dark brown plumage all over the body, featuring white speckles.
• Rufous wings and tail that display black barring rather than speckles.

Habitat

Found in subtropical or tropical moist montane forests across Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. The species typically inhabits undergrowth, dense thickets, thick fern ground cover, mossy rocks, and decaying trunks, often near streams or creeks.

Did you know?

The species was elevated to its own family, Elachuridae, in 2014 after molecular phylogenetic studies revealed it has no other close living relatives within the passerine bird clade.