Animalia Life

Pnoepyga pusilla
SUBFAMILY
Timaliinae
TAXONOMY
Pnoepyga pusillus Hodgson, 1845, Nepal. Eight subspecies; some may constitute separate species.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Lesser scaly-breasted wren-babbler, brown wrenbabbler; French: Turdinule mailйe; German: Moostimalie.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3.5 in (9 cm). Tiny, almost tail-less brown bird with speckled underparts, and dark eyes. Light and dark-breasted phases are present. Short, thin pointed bill.
DISTRIBUTION
Himalayas, east from Nepal, southern China, Taiwan, Indochina, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Flores, and Timor.
HABITAT
Highland forest floor thickets and moist ravines.
BEHAVIOR
Highly furtive and mouse-like, staying concealed in ferns and other plants, but surprisingly loud, piercing whistle, followed by softer note, is heard often, apparently a contact call. Distinctive voice.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Presumably small invertebrates.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Undescribed.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened, but would be vulnerable to any logging of montane forests.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Target species for ecotourists.

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