Pellorneum malaccense (Hartlaub, 1844)

Nomenclature

The mourning babbler, scientifically named Pellorneum malaccense, was previously known as the short-tailed babbler. It is a species of bird belonging to the ground babbler family Pellorneidae.

Distribution

This species is distributed across the Malay Peninsula, Anambas Islands, Sumatra, Banyak Islands, Batu Islands, Riau Islands, Lingga Islands, and the Natuna Islands.

Taxonomic History

It was formerly classified as the same species as the glissando babbler (Pellorneum saturatum) and the leaflitter babbler (Pellorneum poliogene).

Habitat

Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.

Social Behavior

The mourning babbler is generally solitary, and does not join larger mixed-species flocks; instead it forages alone or in pairs.

Foraging Location & Diet

It forages on the ground in the forest understory, feeding on a variety of insects including beetles, grasshoppers, and ants.

Feeding Behavior

Like other babblers, it uses its foot to grasp food items, which is an unusual behavior for passerine birds.

Conservation Status

The mourning babbler is locally common in several areas within its range, but is classified as near-threatened due to the loss of lowland forest across its distribution.