Before we begin, let's get the tough bit out of the way - how on earth do you pronounce "liocichla"?
The answer seems to have a Latin flavour and points at "lee-o-sick-la". Don't take my word for it though, especially if Latin is not your strong point. I personally, prefer "lee-o-chik-la"- but that seems to be the minority view!
Liocichlas are usually treated as laughingthrushes and are often treated as a sub-family of Sylviidae, though some treat them under the Timaliini sub-family.
Further DNA study will determine whether liocichlas can continue to be treated as members of sub family Garrulacinae. Liocichlas are distributed from Nepal in the west to Taiwan in the east. There were only 3 liocichla species till yesterday, and Ramana's discovery adds the fourth.
Liocichlas are taxonomically arranged thus:
- Family Sylviidae
- Sub Family Garrulacinae – Laughingthrushes, liocichlas & hwamei
- Genus: Liocichla
- Liocichla phoenicea Red-faced Liocichla
- Liocichla steerii Steere's Liocichla
- Liocichla omeiensis Omei Shan Liocichla
- Liocichla bugunorum
Bugun Liocichla
Red-faced Liocichla is the only other liocichla species found in India. This medium size (23cm) bird inhabits undergrowth and thickets in the Himalaya and NE India. The range
extends to SE Asia.
Steere's Liocichla is a Taiwanese endemic. This 18-19cm bird can be found in the montane forest of Taiwan.
Omei Shan Liocichla
is found only in in central Szechwan district of China. This 17cm forest bird is endangered. The new Bugun liocichla bears a close resemblance to this species.
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