Identification:
The bird has brown plumage. Its chest features narrow, oval-shaped black streaks or spots.
According to Robson (2000), the Spotted Wren-Babbler ( Garrulax merulina ) found in northeastern Laos and northwestern Vietnam, belonging to the subspecies Garrulax merulina obscurus, has large black spots on the chest and throat, and lacks a distinct orange-yellow eyebrow. The subspecies Garrulax merulina annamensis (Delacour et al., 1931; Võ Quý, 1981), often considered a separate endemic species Garrulax annamensis (Robson, 2000), is distributed in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. It has a black throat, with black spots only on the chest, set against a background of orange-yellow plumage that extends from the chest to under the tail. The eyebrow is the same color, but lighter.
Biology and Ecology:
It inhabits broadleaf evergreen forests, secondary forests, bamboo forests, and forest edges. It forages near the ground in less dense areas. It can be found up to altitudes of 1,500 – 2,000 meters. It is usually seen alone or in pairs. It has a melodious song. It nests in bushes, close to the ground. Nesting occurs from approximately April to July. It lays 2-3 eggs.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Northwest, North and South Central Coast regions: Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Nghệ An, Đắk Lắk, and Lâm Đồng provinces.
- Globally: India, Myanmar, Thailand, China, and Laos.
Value:
A valuable genetic resource. It has a pleasant song, and it is captured for the pet trade.
Conservation Status:
This babbler species is known for its beautiful song, making it vulnerable to capture for the pet trade and commercial purposes. Its distribution is scattered, and though it may be found in various areas, the population is not large; one or two individuals are typically seen. Conservation efforts are required.
Classification:
LR nt
Conservation Measures:
Decree 48/CP of the Government dated April 22, 2002, Group IIB. Dispersed populations and recorded in several different reserves within the distribution regions of Vietnam.