Birdsong field guide
Gray Laughingthrush
Garrulax maesi
The Gray Laughingthrush is a medium-sized, social songbird characterized by its slate-gray plumage and striking white ear patches. It is often found in noisy groups foraging through the dense undergrowth of subtropical forests.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, melodious, and flute-like whistles often delivered in a rhythmic, 'laughing' duet.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It possesses a prominent black mask that provides a sharp contrast to its bright white ear coverts.
- The species is highly gregarious, typically moving in small flocks of five to fifteen individuals.
- It is primarily terrestrial in its foraging habits, preferring to hop through leaf litter rather than engage in long flights.
- Its plumage is almost entirely shades of cool gray, lacking the rufous tones seen in many of its close relatives.
- The Gray Laughingthrush is known to participate in cooperative breeding, where group members help raise a single pair's chicks.
Habitat
Subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, bamboo thickets, and secondary scrub.
Range
Southern China, northern Vietnam, and northern Laos.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Black-hooded LaughingthrushGarrulax milletiCambodian LaughingthrushGarrulax ferrariusChinese HwameiGarrulax canorusLesser Necklaced LaughingthrushGarrulax monilegerOrange-breasted LaughingthrushGarrulax annamensisRufous-cheeked LaughingthrushGarrulax castanotisRufous-fronted LaughingthrushGarrulax rufifronsSpot-breasted LaughingthrushGarrulax merulinus
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