Stachyris erythroptera bicolor (Blyth, 1865)

Species Introduction

This description covers the chestnut-winged babbler, which is currently recognized under the scientific classification Cyanoderma erythropterum.

Plumage Characteristics

The chestnut-winged babbler is a small bird with chestnut-brown plumage, a greyish face, and greyish underparts.

Size Measurements

It measures 12.5–13.5 cm (4.9–5.3 in) in length.

Diet and Foraging

Its diet consists of small Coleoptera beetles, Phasmida insects, ants, and Hemiptera bugs, and it forages by gleaning food from vegetation.

Initial Taxonomic Proposal

The scientific name Timalia erythroptera was first proposed by Edward Blyth in 1842 for an olive-brown babbler specimen collected from Nepal.

Genus Classification History

This species was later moved to the genus Stachyris, and has been classified as a Cyanoderma species since 2020.

Former Conspecific Taxon

The grey-hooded babbler (C. bicolor) native to Borneo was formerly considered the same species as the chestnut-winged babbler.

Geographic Distribution

The chestnut-winged babbler is distributed across the Malay Peninsula, ranging from southern Thailand to Singapore, and also occurs on the island of Sumatra.

Habitat and Elevation Range

It inhabits forests and shrublands at elevations up to 800 m (2,600 ft).

Conservation Status

This species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.