Moustached Babbler

Overview

The moustached babbler, also known as the brown-headed babbler, is a species of bird in the family Pellorneidae that is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a resident of Sundaland, where it inhabits both primary and disturbed tropical forest environments.

Identification

• 18 cm (7.1 in) long and weighing between 16–25 g
• Dull brown plumage above and whitish below
• Grey loral and moustachial stripes
• Olive-brown crown in the nominate race

Habitat

Found across Sundaland, with the nominate race ranging from southern Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, and the subspecies M. m. cinereocapilla endemic to Borneo. Its natural habitats include tropical moist primary lowland forests, peat swamp forests, secondary forests, logged forests and old rubber plantations. It typically occurs at elevations up to 915 m, rarely reaching 1,200 m, and was likely extirpated from the forests of Singapore.

Diet

The moustached babbler feeds on insects, including beetles and locusts. Foraging behaviour occurs in the mid-storey, typically 4–6 m (13–20 ft) off the ground.

Did you know?

Because it prefers logged forest to primary forest, the moustached babbler is suggested as a potential habitat indicator for disturbed environments. It also formerly inhabited the forests of Singapore, where it is now likely extinct.