Red-billed Scimitar Babbler

Overview

The red-billed scimitar-babbler (Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps) is a species of bird in the family Timaliidae classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is native to Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and adjacent parts of southern China.

Identification

• A long reddish-orange decurved bill, typical of scimitar-babblers.
• A rather long white supercilium contrasting with brown upperparts and tail.
• Sexes are similar in appearance.

Habitat

Found between 300–2400 m across its range, the species inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It particularly favours bamboo clumps and Fokienia-dominated forest.

Diet

It feeds mainly on invertebrates but is also known to take nectar from flowers. The bird is a frequent participant of mixed-species flocks, often associating with the white-hooded babbler.

Did you know?

It has a strong association with the white-hooded babbler, often joining its mixed-species flocks.