Wayanad Laughingthrush Pterorhinus delesserti Scientific name definitions

23–26 cm; 78 g. Crown and rear superciliary area to mantle are dark slaty grey, scapulars, back  , upperwing-coverts and tertials dull chestnut-brown, shading to rich rufous on uppertail-coverts; tail brownish-black, primaries with dull pale olive-grey fringes; face (lores, supercilium to above eye, cheek and ear-coverts) slightly glossy blackish; chin, submoustachial area and throat white, shading to pale grey on breast  , to dull orange-rufous on mid-belly and to rich rufous on lower flanks, thighs and vent; iris red to maroon-brown; upper mandible dark brown or blackish-brown, lower mandible whitish-flesh to yellowish-flesh; legs pinkish-flesh. Differs from very similar G. gularis in having pale lower mandible, darker grey crown and nape, darker brown upperparts and wings, darker and uniform tail (darker than back), paler and less contrasting mask, sparsely feathered straw-coloured or buff-coloured interramal region and patch at base of lower mandible, white (not yellow) chin to upper belly, and more chestnut lower flanks and belly. Sexes similar. Juvenile is duller on crown than adult, more chestnut above, warmer on breast, iris pinkish-buff, orbital skin paler yellow, legs duskier.

Broadleaf evergreen and semi-evergreen forest (including Strobilanthes), thorny cane-brakes and black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) sholas; at 155–1220 m, mostly 455–760 m.

Mostly insects, also berries and seeds. Found in flocks of 6–15 and sometimes up to 40–50 individuals. Forages mostly on ground ; occasionally ascends into small understorey trees. Quite skulking.