Birdsong field guide
Large Gray Babbler
Argya malcolmi
A large, gregarious songbird endemic to the Indian subcontinent, recognized by its uniform gray plumage and contrasting white outer tail feathers.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, harsh, and rhythmic screeching notes, often a piercing and repetitive 'kay-kay-kay'.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- They are highly social birds, typically seen foraging on the ground in noisy groups of seven to twenty individuals.
- In flight, their long tail reveals conspicuous white outer feathers, a key diagnostic feature distinguishing them from the similar Jungle Babbler.
- The species displays cooperative breeding behavior, where 'helper' birds assist the dominant pair in feeding and protecting the nestlings.
- They are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a varied diet of insects, seeds, berries, and occasionally human food scraps in suburban areas.
- Flocks often employ a sentinel system, where one individual watches for predators from a high perch while the others forage on the ground.
Habitat
Dry open scrub, thorn forests, cultivated fields, and urban parks or gardens.
Range
Indian subcontinent, primarily throughout central and western India, as well as parts of Pakistan.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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