Taiwan Scimitar Babbler

Overview

The Taiwan scimitar babbler (Pomatorhinus musicus) is a small Old World babbler endemic to Taiwan. First described by Robert Swinhoe in 1859, it is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although its population is declining.

Identification

• Small bird measuring 16–21 cm in length and weighing 40 g.
• Upperparts are dark grey-brown, while the throat and upper breast are white.
• A broad black facial mask and black bridle contrast with a white eyebrow line and black eyes.
• The neck is a deep chestnut brown, and the lower body features strong rusty brown or greyish streaks extending from the throat to blackish flanks.

Habitat

This species is endemic to Taiwan. Specific details regarding its preferred microhabitat or altitudinal range are not provided in the reference material.

Did you know?

The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of the streak-breasted scimitar babbler but is distinguished by its slightly larger size and a proportionally longer bill with a completely dark upper half.