Malaysian Rail-babbler

Opinions on the correct taxonomic placement for the rail-babbler have differed. At one time, it was placed in the Old World babbler family, Timaliidae. Until recently, it had been regarded as being related to a group which included the quail-thrushes and whipbirds, and placed in the family Cinclosomatidae .

The Malaysian Rail-babbler is classified as Near Threatened (NT), is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

The Rail-babbler, also known as the Malaysian Rail-babbler, is a resident of the rainforests of Malaysia. It is not found in Singapore. This bird seldom flies, preferring to walk on the forest floor. It forages on the ground, walking and dashing about in pursuit of preys. Even when disturbed, it is reluctant to fly, as it can dash through the forest undergrowth just as rapid as a squirrel. It usually remains concealed among the thick vegetation, often heard than seen. More

The Malaysian Rail-babbler (Eupetes macrocerus) was formerly sometimes placed in this family which would then be called Eupetidae. More

Other common names: Malaysian Rail-babbler, Malay Scrub-robin Taxonomy: Eupetes macrocerus Temminck, 1831, Padang, Sumatra. Relationships have long been highly disputed; species has traditionally been placed in Timaliidae, often but not always near other members of present family; recent study based on DNA sequences supports close relationship with anomalous African genera Chaetops (rockjumpers) and Picathartes (picathartes). More

Malaysian Rail-Babbler image Krung Ching, part of Khao Luang National Park in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, is fast becoming Southern Thailand's premier birding destination. It is home to a huge array of forest birds and has three great areas for birding. The main trail to Krung Ching waterfall provides great sightings at every turn. For the first kilometre the trail gently leads you up the mountain from the headquarters area. More

Malaysian Rail-Babbler Eupetes macrocerus More

birds) Malaysian Rail-Babbler on the Swamp Loop. After dark I dragged my exhausted body up beyond the Lubok Simpon swimming beach, where we successfully taped in a Large Frogmouth. An excellent night’s work was rounded off with a visit to the shop on the South bank of the river to buy water for the next day. As we exited the tiny store we bumped into a Reddish Scops Owl perched up in a tree in trash habitat right next to our accomm. More