Sumatran Laughingthrush Garrulax bicolor

Sumatran Laughingthrush Garrulax bicolor

Endangered

Indonesia (Sumatera)

The Sumatran laughingthrush, with their striking black-and-white plumage and melodic song, is one of Sumatra’s most distinctive bird species. Found exclusively in the island’s montane forests, this critically endangered species faces an uncertain future due to habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade.

The species’ captivating vocalisations have tragically made them a target for poachers seeking to sell them into the cage bird trade. As deforestation for agriculture, including palm oil plantations, continues to decimate their habitat, the Sumatran laughingthrush is rapidly vanishing from the wild. Fight for their survival each time you shop. Boycott palm oil and join the #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife movement.

Appearance and Behaviour

The Sumatran laughingthrush is a medium-sized passerine bird, growing up to 30 centimetres in length. Its plumage is predominantly black, with striking white markings on its wings, tail, and underparts. This contrast gives them an elegant appearance, enhanced by bright yellow eyes and strong, dark bill.

Known for their complex, melodious calls, these birds are highly social and often found in small flocks. Their name, “laughingthrush,” originates from their song, which resembles a series of whistles, trills, and laughter-like notes. These vocalisations are a key element of their social structure, aiding in communication and flock cohesion.

Geographic Range

The Sumatran laughingthrush is endemic to Sumatra and restricted to montane forests at elevations between 800 and 2,000 metres. Their preferred habitats include dense, moist forest understorey and secondary growth near clearings. Fragmentation of these habitats has isolated populations, making them more vulnerable to extinction.

Diet

Sumatran laughingthrushes are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet of insects, fruits, and seeds. They forage in the lower and middle forest canopy, often in mixed-species flocks. Their diet supports forest health by aiding in seed dispersal, an essential role for maintaining biodiversity in their montane ecosystem.

Reproduction and Mating

Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Sumatran laughingthrush. They are believed to nest in dense vegetation, constructing cup-shaped nests using leaves, twigs, and moss. Like other laughingthrushes, they are presumed to lay small clutches of eggs and exhibit parental care, although further studies are needed to confirm these behaviours.

Threats

The Sumatran laughingthrush is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Studies indicate that the wild population has declined by more than 80% in recent decades, with fewer than 1,000 mature individuals remaining (Birds of the World, 2020).While several individuals exist in captivity, efforts to protect the wild population remain insufficient. Conservation measures include habitat restoration, stronger enforcement of anti-poaching laws, and public awareness campaigns to reduce demand in the illegal wildlife trade (Collar et al., 2020).

Several organisations have initiated breeding programs to establish assurance populations, but these are only a short-term solution. Protecting their natural habitat and halting deforestation are essential to securing their future.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

• Deforestation for palm oil and timber: Deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture has destroyed much of their montane forest habitat, fragmenting populations and reducing available resources.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: The Sumatran laughingthrush is highly prized for their song, making them a frequent target for poachers. Large numbers are captured annually for sale in the illegal pet trade, particularly in Indonesia and Southeast Asia (BirdLife International, 2020).
• Capture for the caged bird trade: Their pretty and melodic song has historically made them popular for the illegal caged bird trade.
• Lax anti-poaching and illegal wildlife laws.

Take Action!

Protect the Sumatran laughingthrush by boycotting palm oil and supporting organisations dedicated to wildlife conservation. Raise awareness about the illegal pet trade and its devastating impact on these beautiful birds. Together, we can fight for their survival. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

You can support this beautiful animal

There are no known conservation activities for this animal. Share out this post to social media and join the #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife on social media to raise awareness

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Garrulax bicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22734448A95085919. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22734448A95085919.en. Downloaded on 24 January 2021.

Collar, N. J., & BirdLife International. (2020). A case for better international protection of the Sumatran laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor). Bird Conservation International.

eBird. (2020). Sumatran laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor).

Birds of the World. (2020). Flocking and foraging behaviour of the Sumatran laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor).

TRAFFIC. (2020). The illegal trade of Sumatran laughingthrushes. TRAFFIC Bulletin, 25(2), 45–50.

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