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Red-tailed laughingthrush
The red‑tailed laughingthrush is a striking and social songbird native to southern China, northern Vietnam, and northern Laos, where it inhabits subtropical forests, montane woodland, dense scrub, and forest edges. Its grey‑brown plumage, dark facial mask, and bright red tail make it instantly recognisable, especially when seen moving actively through undergrowth.
You can find our pair of red-tailed laughingthrush in our Gems of the Jungle walkthrough exhibit.
Class:
Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family:
Leiothrichidae
About the red-tailed laughingthrush
This species is an omnivore, feeding on invertebrates, fruit, and berries. Red‑tailed laughingthrushes forage among shrubs and low branches, often flicking their tails as they move. Their rich, melodious calls and varied vocalisations contribute to their name, giving the impression of a chorus of soft laughter echoing through the forest.
They are highly social birds, commonly living in groups of 5 to 20 individuals. These flocks stay in close contact through frequent calls, moving together as a coordinated unit. Their nests are typically built in dense vegetation, and chicks fledge after roughly two weeks.
Conservation
The red‑tailed laughingthrush is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but some populations across southern China and northern Southeast Asia are affected by habitat loss due to forest clearance and degradation. Conserving subtropical and montane forest habitats is essential for maintaining healthy populations in the wild.