Garrulax canorus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Body Size and Shape

This species measures 21 to 25 cm in length, with broad rounded wings and a fan-shaped tail.

Plumage Base Color and Streaking

Its plumage is mostly reddish-brown, with dark streaks on the crown, back, and throat.

Head and Appendage Coloration

It has a white ring around the eye that extends backward as a white stripe, and both its bill and feet are yellowish.

Hainan Subspecies Traits

The subspecies found on Hainan Island, Garrulax canorus owstoni, is paler on the underparts and more olive-coloured on the upperparts.

Taiwan Hwamei Distinguishing Traits

The Taiwan hwamei is greyer, more heavily streaked, and lacks the white head markings.

Song Characteristics

The species' song is a loud, clear, varied whistling with regular repetition, and includes imitations of other birds.

Call Characteristics

Its call is a rasping whistle or rattle.

Nominate Subspecies Native Range

The nominate subspecies Garrulax canorus canorus is found across south-eastern and central China, as well as in northern and central Vietnam and Laos.

G. c. owstoni Endemic Range

The subspecies G. c. owstoni is endemic to Hainan.

Nominate Subspecies Introduced Locations

G. c. canorus has been introduced to Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Hawaii.

Hawaiian Introduction Context

It was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the early 20th century, and now occurs in both native forest and man-made habitats.

Hawaiian Population Distribution

It is common on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island, but less common on Oahu and Molokai.

Habitat and Elevation Range

This bird inhabits scrubland, open woodland, secondary forest, parks, and gardens, at elevations up to 1800 metres above sea level.

Conservation Status

It is common across most of its range, and is not classified as a threatened species.