Short-tailed Babbler

Conservation status: NEAR THREATENED
Common name: Short-tailed babbler
Scientific name: Malacocincla malaccensis
Type: Bird
Diet: insects including beetles, grasshoppers, and ants
Length: 13.5-15.5 cm
Weight: 17.5-28 g

The Short-tailed Babbler (Malacocincla malaccensis) is secretive bird restricted to the understorey of forest and swampy freshwater forest. It is commonly heard in the forests but not easily seen. It tends to move singly or in pairs, often whistling its distinctive tune as it patrols its territory. It tends to stay close to the ground.

In Singapore, it is confined to  Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

References:

1. Francis Yap Nature Photography, https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg (Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum)
2.  BirdLife International (2012). “Malacocincla malaccensis“. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2.