The body length of Trochalopteron milnei can range from 26 to 28 cm (10 to 11 in) and its weight from 66 to 93 g (2.3 to 3.3 oz). These medium-sized laughingthrushes have dull ochrous-grey bodies and vivid rufous-chestnut crowns. Their faces are blackish with whitish ear-coverts. Both the wings and tail are red.TChina, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are home to this species.These birds mostly live in broadleaf evergreen forests’ understory.They are strictly mountainous and typically reside between 1,800 and 2,500 metres (5,900 and 8,200 feet) above sea level.
This species mostly consumes insects and tiny arthropods (beetles, centipedes, etc.), but it will also consume berries and fruits, particularly those belonging to the genus Saurauja. April through June are the months when breeding occurs. The nest, which is constructed of a neat cup primarily consisting of grasses and bamboo leaves, is built by both males and females.It is constructed at a height of around 1 m. The eggs are laid by the female and are incubated for 17–18 days. Both parents feed the chicks, who hatch in 14–16 days and then depart the nest.
The intriguing bird species known as the Red-tailed Laughingthrush, also known by its scientific name Trochalopteron milnei, is a member of the Leiothrichidae family. It is frequently observed in the central and eastern Himalayas, where it flourishes in deep undergrowth and forests that stretch from eastern Nepal to northeastern India and southern Tibet.
The distinctive black crest and face mask, brownish-gray back and wings, and rust-red tail of these birds are among their most distinctive traits. They are easily recognised thanks to the white ring around their eyes, the white patch on their chest and throat, and the white patch on their throat.Red-tailed Laughingthrushes create groups of up to 20 people and are extremely sociable birds. They use a variety of visual and verbal cues to interact with one another, and their vocalisations include a variety of calls and songs.
They are also renowned for being excellent foragers, consuming insects, seeds, and fruits from their environment.Red-tailed Laughingthrushes are an intriguing species, but habitat loss brought on by deforestation and other human activity puts them in danger. To guarantee their long-term existence, it is crucial to spread awareness about the need to maintain their natural environment. Despite the fact that they are not now regarded as being globally endangered, urgent action must be taken to protect their habitat and stop the potential decline of their populations.