ANIMAL: White-Crested Laughing Thrush Garrulax leucolophus Type of Animal: Songbird Habitat: Mountain forest, scrub, monsoon forest, evergreen forest, bamboo forest, hill forest, tropical deciduous forest, plantations, jungle Location(s): Himalayan foothills to S.E. Asia Appearance: Prominent white crest/head w/ black-gray beak/mask, red iris, grayish feathers & brownish underbelly. Smaller crest on female. Food/Diet: Fruits, seeds, insects, nectar, lizards, eggs, veggies, worms, spiders, berries, young snakes, snails, young mice Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding from zoos & aviculture Lifestyle: Flocks of 6-30 birds led by dominant male & female. They’re cooperative breeders w/ both sexes helping rear chicks from other parents & older siblings helping in the care of younger siblings. Additional Info: Called: Male-Cock Female-Hen Young-Chick Group-Flock Weight: 4.16 oz Gestation: 15 days Life Span: 12 years in wild, up to 20 years in captivity Height: 6-7 in Body Length: 8.4-10.8 in Tail Length: 3.6 in Main predators are monitor lizards, felids, hornbills, bears, civets, red pandas, & snakes. Very noisy birds, w/ every flock member making territorial calls. Sometimes mob attack hornbills. Stable but possibly declining due to habitat loss & pet trade. Sexually mature at 1 year old. Fun Fact(s): They’re very bold birds. Can be rather competitive w/ other bird species during breeding season. Get name from loud cackling calls.
