Chinese Hwamei Garrulax canorus Scientific name definitions

21–24 cm; 49–75 g. Relatively plain medium-sized laughingthrush , warm brown with darker streaking on head and breast, and with bold white eyering and postocular stripe. Crown is warm ochre-tinged brown with vague darker brown streaks, upperparts similar but streaking very diffuse, fringes of wing feathers warm ochre-tinged brown, tail darkish brown; bold white eyering and postocular streak , ear-coverts plain dull ochrous-brown; lores, cheek, neck side and chin to upper breast warm brownish-ochre with narrow dark brown streaks, lower breast, flanks, thighs and vent warm brownish-ochre, mid-belly dull grey; iris brown to pale greenish-yellow; bill dusky yellow; legs dusky yellowish to dark flesh. Sexes similar. Juvenile has less streaking on head and breast than adult. Races very similar: owstoni is marginally more olive above and on ear-coverts than nominate.

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Introduced in Taiwan, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu) and Hawaii.

• Chinese x Taiwan Hwamei (hybrid) Garrulax canorus x taewanus

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Mainly insects, including locust eggs (Locustidae) and ants (Formicidae); also fruit, seeds and sometimes cultivated maize (Zea) and other grain. In Hong Kong study, in Aug–May, 86% of 72 faecal samples contained insects and 81% contained fruit (of 14 plant taxa, with a further two seen being eaten). Found singly, in pairs or in small parties. Searches for food on ground .

Song by male rich, varied, quite high-pitched , including regular repetition and some mimicry; usually starts slowly, then increases in volume and pitch (may repeat this during single outburst); faster and higher-pitched than song of G. chinensis, reminiscent of that of Pellorneum albiventre. Female has series of monotonous calls which, given in earshot of male, prompt song from him.