Babbler

The Old World babblers or timaliids are a large family of mostly Old World passerine birds. They are rather diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. These are birds of tropical areas, with the greatest variety in Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. The timaliids are one of two unrelated groups of birds known as babblers, the other being the Australasian Babblers of the family Pomatostomidae (also known as pseudo-babblers).

Morphological diversity is rather high; most species resemble "warblers", jays or thrushes. This group is among those Old World bird families with the highest number of species still being discovered.

Characteristics
Timaliids are small to medium birds, ranging in size from the Pygmy Wren-babbler at 9 centimetres in length, to the Giant Laughingthrush at 36 cm. They have strong legs, and many are quite terrestrial. They typically have generalised bills, similar to those of a thrush or warbler, except for the scimitar babblers which, as their name implies, have strongly decurved bills. Most have predominantly brown plumage, with minimal difference between the sexes, but many more brightly coloured species also exist.

This group is not strongly migratory, and most species have short rounded wings, and a weak flight. They live in lightly wooded or scrubland environments, ranging from swamp to near-desert. They are primarily insectivorous, although many will also take berries, and the larger species will even eat small lizards and other vertebrates.

Typical babblers live in communities of around a dozen birds, jointly defending a territory. Many even breed communally, with a dominant pair building a nest, and the remainder helping to defend and rear their young. Young males remain with the group, while females move away to find a new group, and thus avoid inbreeding. They make nests from twigs, and hide them in dense vegetation.

Systematics
The systematics of Old World babblers have long been contended. During much of the 20th century, the family was used as a "wastebin taxon" for numerous hard-to-place Old World songbirds (such as Picathartidae or the Wrentit). Ernst Hartert was only half-joking when he summarized this attitude with the statement that, in the passerines, "'Was man nicht unterbringen kann, sieht man als Timalien an.' (What one can't place systematically is considered an Old World babbler)" The most obviously misplaced taxa were removed piecemeal towards the end of the last century.

Since then, with the aid of DNA sequence data, it has been confirmed that even the remaining group is not monophyletic. Analysis of mtDNA cytochrome b and 12S/16S rRNA data (Cibois 2003a) spread the Timaliidae that were studied across what essentially was a badly resolved polytomy with Old World warblers and white-eyes. As the typical warblers (genus Sylvia) grouped with some presumed timaliids (such as the fulvettas), it was suggested that some Sylviidae should be moved to the Timaliidae.

As this would include the type genus of the latter, this would lead to a nomenclatorial problem requiring ICZN intervention (Cibois 2003b) and was, at that time, not sensible in any case as the phylogeny of the remaining Old World warblers had not been fully resolved either. The problem with such an approach would be — as many Old World warblers have not been studied with the new results in mind and neither have a number of timaliids — to risk creating a huge, ill-defined family-level clade; consequently, this approach seems to have been put on hold for the time being in favor of a general resorting of the Sylvioidea.

Alström et al. (2006) supported the taxonomic proposal of Cibois (2003b), "if the Timaliidae and several groups of warblers are recognized at the same family level" but of course it is not necessary to unite them to achieve monophyly in both. Notably, one of the few conclusions beyond genus level which received quite robust support in Cibois (2003a) was the distinctness of Sylvia and the related "babblers" from the Timaliidae sensu stricto. Thus, for the time being, it seems wisest to maintain the Sylviidae and Timaliidae as distinct and just split off or move about genera as needed to achieve monophyly.

The parrotbills are somewhat tit-like birds that in the past were moved about between the timaliids, the tits, and distinct family status (under the telling name Paradoxornithidae — literally, "puzzling birds"). They are likely not a distinct family; rather, they belong into the Sylvia clade (Cibois 2003a, Alström et al. 2006).

The relationships of the white-eyes (presently Zosteropidae) are not resolved at present. Based on nDNA RAG-1 and c-mos sequence data, Barker et al. (2002) found them likelier to group closer to the timaliids proper than to Sylvia and allies, as did Cibois (2003a). Combining data from nDNA c-myc exon 3, RAG-1 and myoglobin intron 2 sequences with that of mtDNA cytochrome b (Ericson & Johansson 2003) supports their scenario as does a restudy using the myoglobin intron 2 and cytochrome b sequences of a wider (though not denser) range of taxa (Alström et al. 2006)

On the other hand, DNA-DNA hybridization (Sibley & Ahlquist 1990) placed the white-eyes closer to Sylvia. This method is nowadays considered inferior to comparison of long and various DNA sequences, however. Still, it should be noted that no molecular study thus far could resolve the white-eyes' relationships with sufficient confidence beyond the mere fact that they form a clade with "core" Sylviidae and "core" Timaliidae. In this assemblage, they most likely form a monophyletic lineage with the yuhinas (and possibly other "babblers"). Consequently, were the Zosteropidae to be retained as a family, these would be moved there.

One somewhat controversial approach in the "Taxonomy in Flux" world birdlist proposes splitting the group into four families. This creates a tidier, more manageable arrangement, much as the creation of several smaller families does for the traditional Emberizidae. It remains to be seen though if the innovative split of Garrulacidae from Timaliidae will gain wider acceptance.
 * Sylviidae - Sylvias, Fulvettas, Parrotbills.
 * Zosteropidae - White-eyes, Yuhinas etc.
 * Timaliidae - Babblers.
 * Garrulacidae - Laughingthrushes, Liocichlas, Sibias etc.

In addition, the new studies have shown that several genera (such as Garrulax and Fulvetta) are not monophyletic and need to be split up (Cibois 2003, Pasquet et al. 2006).

Timaliidae sensu stricto
These genera would be retained in the timaliids in any case; one has been moved here from the sylviids. They make up a few reasonably well-supported clades and a lot of genera with quite unresolved relationships (termed "assemblages" here).


 * Genus Dumetia - Tawny-bellied Babbler, Dumetia hyperythra


 * Genus Rhopocichla - Dark-fronted Babbler, Rhopocichla atriceps


 * Genus Timalia - Chestnut-capped Babbler, Timalia pileata


 * Genus Mixornis
 * Pin-striped Tit-Babbler, Mixornis gularis
 * Grey-faced Tit-Babbler, Mixornis kelleyi
 * Bold-striped Tit-Babbler, Mixornis bornensis
 * Grey-cheeked Tit-Babbler, Mixornis flavicollis
 * Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler, Macronus ptilosus


 * Genus Macronus
 * Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler, Macronus ptilosus
 * Brown Tit-Babbler, Macronus striaticeps


 * Genus Cyanoderma
 * Golden Babbler, Cyanoderma chrysaea
 * Chestnut-winged Babbler, Cyanoderma erythroptera
 * Crescent-chested Babbler, Cyanoderma melanothorax
 * Black-chinned Babbler, Cyanoderma pyrrhops
 * Rufous-capped Babbler, Cyanoderma ruficeps
 * Buff-chested Babbler, Cyanoderma ambigua
 * Rufous-fronted Babbler, Cyanoderma rufifrons


 * Genus Spelaeornis
 * Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis troglodytoides
 * Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis longicaudatus
 * Naga Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis chocolatinus
 * Chin Hills Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis oatesi
 * Grey-bellied Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis reptatus
 * Pale-throated Wren-Babbler, Spelaeornis kinneari


 * Genus Pomatorhinus
 * Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus ferruginosus
 * Red-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps
 * Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus superciliaris
 * Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus ruficollis
 * Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus musicus
 * Chestnut-backed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus montanus
 * White-browed Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus schisticeps
 * Indian Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus horsfieldii
 * Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus melanurus


 * Genus Megapomatorhinus
 * Large Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus hypoleucos
 * Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus erythrogenys
 * Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus mcclellandi
 * Black-streaked Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus gravivox
 * Grey-sided Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus swinhoei
 * Black-necklaced Scimitar-Babbler, Megapomatorhinus erythrocnemis


 * Genus Stachyris
 * Nonggang Babbler, Stachyris nonggangensis
 * Sooty Babbler, Stachyris herberti
 * Black-throated Babbler, Stachyris nigricollis
 * White-breasted Babbler, Stachyris grammiceps
 * Chestnut-rumped Babbler, Stachyris maculata
 * Grey-throated Babbler, Stachyris nigriceps
 * Grey-headed Babbler, Stachyris poliocephala
 * Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Stachyris humei
 * Cachar Wedge-billed Babbler, Stachyris roberti
 * Snowy-throated Babbler, Stachyris oglei
 * Spot-necked Babbler, Stachyris strialata
 * White-necked Babbler, Stachyris leucotis
 * White-bibbed Babbler, Stachyris thoracica

White-eye clade
If the white-eyes are maintained as a separate family Zosteropidae, this group would have to be included there:
 * Genus Yuhina – yuhinas – 8 species, (found to be polyphyletic and now split into five genera)


 * Genus Staphida
 * Striated Yuhina, Staphida castaniceps
 * Chestnut-collared Yuhina, Staphida torqueola
 * Chestnut-crested Yuhina, Staphida everetti


 * Genus Dasycrotapha – formerly in Stachyris; tentatively placed here
 * Flame-templed Babbler, Dasycrotapha speciosa


 * Genus Sterrhoptilus – formerly in Stachyris; tentatively placed here
 * Mindanao Pygmy Babbler (or Yuhina), Sterrhoptilus plateni
 * Visayan Pygmy Babbler (or Yuhina), Sterrhoptilus pygmaeus
 * Golden-crowned Babbler (or Yuhina), Sterrhoptilus dennistouni
 * Black-crowned Babbler (or Yuhina), Sterrhoptilus nigrocapitata
 * Rusty-crowned Babbler (or Yuhina), Sterrhoptilus capitalis


 * Genus Zosterornis – formerly in Stachyris; tentatively placed here
 * Chestnut-faced Babbler (or Yuhina), Zosterornis whiteheadi
 * Luzon Striped Babbler (or Yuhina), Zosterornis striatus
 * Panay Striped Babbler (or Yuhina), Zosterornis latistriatus
 * Negros Striped Babbler (or Yuhina), Zosterornis nigrorum
 * Palawan Striped Babbler (or Yuhina), Zosterornis hypogrammicus

Sylviid clade
Also includes the parrotbills. If the Sylviidae are maintained as a separate family, this group would have to be included there:
 * Genus Pseudoalcippe
 * African Hillbabbler, Pseudoalcippe abyssinica – formerly in Illadopsis


 * Genus Lioparus – formerly in Alcippe
 * Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Lioparus chrysotis


 * Genus Fulvetta – 7 species of typical fulvettas, formerly in Alcippe
 * Spectacled Fulvetta, Fulvetta ruficapilla
 * Chinese Fulvetta, Fulvetta striaticollis
 * White-browed Fulvetta, Fulvetta vinipectus
 * Grey-hooded Fulvetta, Fulvetta cinereiceps
 * Taiwan Fulvetta, Fulvetta formosana - formerly in F. cinereiceps
 * Streak-throated Fulvetta, Fulvetta manipurensis - formerly in F. cinereiceps
 * Ludlow's Fulvetta, Fulvetta ludlowi - tentatively placed here


 * Genus Chrysomma – 3 species


 * Genus Chamaea – Wrentit

Genera ''incertae sedis


Relationships unresolved; may or may not be Timaliidae sensu stricto
 * Genus Micromacronus - 2 species of miniature-babblers or tit-babblers (timaliine clade?)
 * Genus Trichastoma – 7 species, Pellorneum – Napothera assemblage?
 * Genus Rimator - Long-billed Wren-babbler
 * Genus Ptilocichla – 3 species of wren-babblers
 * Genus  Pnoepyga – 3 species of wren-babblers
 * Genus Dumetia – Tawny-bellied Babbler
 * Genus  Rhopocichla – Dark-fronted Babbler
 * Genus Myzornis - Fire-tailed Myzornis
 * Genus Malia – Malia
 * Genus Lioptilus - Bush Blackcap (may be related to Sylvia)
 * Genus Parophasma – Abyssinian Catbird (may be related to Sylvia)
 * Genus Ptyrticus – Thrushbabbler (may be related to Illadopsis)
 * Genus Horizorhinus – Dohrn's Thrush-babbler or Principe Flycatcher-babbler (relationships uncertain)

Formerly placed here
Genera whose relationships are now known to lie entirely outside the Timaliidae, no matter how these are delimited:

Other Sylvioidea
Basal lineage of cisticolid warblers, Cisticolidae (Nguembock et al. 2007):
 * Genus Neomixis – jeries
 * Common Jery, Neomixis tenella
 * Green Jery, Neomixis viridis
 * Stripe-throated Jery, Neomixis striatigula

Several lineages of Malagasy warblers, Bernieridae
 * Genus Hartertula – formerly in Neomixis
 * Wedge-tailed Jery, Hartertula flavoviridis
 * Genus Crossleyia
 * Yellow-browed Oxylabes, Crossleyia xanthophrys
 * Genus Oxylabes
 * White-throated Oxylabes, Oxylabes madagascariensis

Other Passerida
Belong to the sugarbirds, Promeropidae (Beresford et al. 2005):
 * Genus Arcanator – sometimes included in Modulatrix
 * Dapple-throat, Arcanator orostruthus
 * Genus Modulatrix
 * Spot-throat, Modulatrix stictigula

"Corvida"
Apparently related to the vireos, Vireonidae (Barker et al. 2004):
 * Genus Erpornis
 * White-bellied Erpornis or White-bellied "Yuhina", Erpornis zantholeuca – formerly in Yuhina (Cibois et al. 2002)

Belongs to the vireos (Reddy & Cracraft, in press):
 * Genus Pteruthius – shrike-babblers
 * Black-headed Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius rufiventer
 * White-browed Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius flaviscapis
 * Green Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius xanthochlorus
 * Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius melanotis
 * Chestnut-fronted Shrike-babbler, Pteruthius aenobarbus

Belongs to the vangas, Vangidae (Schulenberg 2003):
 * Genus Mystacornis
 * Crossley's Babbler-vanga, Mystacornis crossleyi

Incertae sedis

 * Genus Kakamega (Cibois 2003a) – uncertain relationships. May be related to thrushes or sugarbirds
 * Grey-chested Kakamega or Grey-chested "Illadopsis", Kakamega poliothorax