Behavioral Ecology of Elliot’s Laughingthrush (Trochalopteron (Garrulax) elliotii; Timaliidae): I. Breeding Biology and Social Behavior

Abstract

Babblers (Timaliidae s. l.) are a diverse group of passerine birds distributed mainly in Asia. The behavior and vocalization of most babbler species are poorly known. We provide the first description of the social organization and behavior of Elliot’s laughingthrush, a member of Timaliidae s. l. Data on its breeding biology are given as well. The study was conducted in the Hunan Hupingshan National Nature Reserve, south-central China. Elliot’s laughingthrushes are common breeders in secondary mountain forests up to 1900 m above sea level. Nests can be found in bamboo and scrub thickets. Clutch size is 2–3 eggs. The social mating system is monogamy. Each pair defends a small territory (mean size, 1710 m²). The borders between adjacent territories are established during territorial interactions at the onset of the nesting period, with participation of both males and females. We discuss our data in the context of differences in the behavioral ecology between the tropical and temperate bird species.