Description:
Adult birds exhibit pale black coloration on the fore-eye region, below the eye, the cheeks, chin, and eyebrow stripe. Broad white streaks are present on both sides of the head, extending from behind the eye to the neck. The ear region is pale gray. The throat and chest have a brownish tinge. The remaining plumage is gray, slightly darker on the wings, back, and tail. Eyes are brown or reddish-brown. The beak is black. Legs are grayish-black.
Biology:
A specimen collected on July 30, 1967, in Bắc Thái was undergoing wing molt.
Habitat and Ecology:
The preferred habitat consists of dense thickets in forests at elevations up to approximately 1600 meters.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Northern Vietnam. Observed in Lào Cai (Sapa), Bắc Thái, and Vĩnh Phú (Tam Đảo).
- Worldwide: Southern China.
Value:
Conservation of genetic resources; significant scientific and aesthetic value.
Conservation Status:
The species’ distribution and natural habitat are shrinking due to deforestation, leading to a decline in population size. Threat level: T (Threatened).
Recommended Conservation Measures:
Prioritize the protection of the designated Tam Đảo forest area. Furthermore, research and implement conservation strategies to restore forests in the high-altitude mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, particularly the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, to sustain the remaining populations.