Chinese Hwamei ~ Leucodioptron canorum* ~ Melodious laughing-thrush

Listen for the clear and varied song of this passerine bird, because you may not easily see it. Shy, it isn’t easily approached. Just 8 to 9.5 inches in size, with fairly plain rusty-brown plumage marked by darker streaks, it doesn’t stand out until you hear its beautiful, repetitive call. Hwamei does have one distinct feature, though, a white marking around the eyes, which extends backward. The chinese word hwamei means “painted eyebrow,” referring to this mark.

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