Identification:
- Plumage is soot-black.
- Bill is pale blue.
- Throat is light black; chin is pale white; crown and wing feathers are dark brown.
- Tail is narrow.
Biology and Ecology:
- Typically forages in flocks on sparse vegetation over limestone mountains, simultaneously feeding and moving.
- Habitat is evergreen broadleaf forests on limestone mountains.
- Altitude range: 50-610 meters.
- No biological data are available.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh province) and Dak Rong Nature Reserve (Quang Tri province).
- Laos: Present.
Value:
- An indicator species of forests on limestone mountains in the lowlands of the Central Vietnam.
Conservation Status:
- Endemic to Vietnam and Laos.
- Uncommon within its distribution range.
IUCN Classification:
- VU B1 C1 (Vulnerable)
Conservation Measures:
- Listed in the Asian Red Data Book (2001), under the “Near Threatened” category.
- Currently protected in Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Dak Rong Nature Reserves.