Garrulax poecilorhynchus Gould, 1863

Taxonomic Classification

The rusty laughingthrush is a bird species in the Leiothrichidae family, currently classified under the scientific name Pterorhinus poecilorhynchus. It is endemic to Taiwan.

Original Taxonomic Placement

This species was originally described as Garrulax poecilorhynchus by Gould in 1863, and was historically placed in the genus Garrulax.

Genus Reclassification

After a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study was published in 2018, it was moved to the resurrected genus Pterorhinus.

Former Subspecies Status

The buffy laughingthrush, which is native to mainland China, was formerly included as a subspecies of the rusty laughingthrush.

Morphological Differences

When compared to the rusty laughingthrush, the buffy laughingthrush has paler grey underparts, more contrasting rufous wings, broader white tail tips, and distinct black lores.