The bare-cheeked babbler is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae and is native to arid savannas of southwestern Africa, specifically northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola.[2][3] It is known for its brown feathers and the bare skin on its cheeks.[3][4] The species is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is a commonly found local bird.[2]
The species was first described in 1865 by Gustav Hartlaub as Crateropus gymnogenys and later reassigned to Turdoides.[4][5] It is classified to the family Leiothrichidae, known as the laughingthrushes and allies, which is a group recognized for its social living and unique vocals.[4] The bare-cheeked babbler is identified as having two different species, the gymnogenys in Angola and the kaokensis in Namibia but most authorities regard the species as one due to minimal variation.[3][4]
Description
Adults measure 23–25cm (9–10in) in length and weigh roughly 60–70 g (2.1–2.5oz).[3] Their upperparts are a medium brown, have gray or white underparts, and a light gray crown.[3] The bare bluish gray facial skin on the cheeks and the yellow eyes are the most distinctive features. They have a bill that is dark and slightly curved for searching through litter and soil.[3][4] The sexes hold a similar appearance. The juveniles have duller colors and less prominent facial skin patches than that of the adults.[3]
Distribution and habitat
This species is near-endemic to southwestern Africa and is confined mainly to northwestern Namibia and bordering parts of Angola.[2][5] It favors Mopane woodlands, dry thorn scrub, and rocky semi-desert up to about 1,500m (4,900ft) elevation.[2][3] The bare-cheeked babbler is non-migratory as it maintains permanent territories and resides year-round in family groups.[2][5] In Namibia, it is especially common in the Kunene Region and Etosha National Park.[5]
Behavior and ecology
Bare-cheeked babblers live in family groups of 6–12 birds.[3][4] They are highly vocal, they produce harsh "babbles" that help maintain group cohesion and defend territories.[4] They forage on the ground looking through leaf litter for insects, spiders, and small arthropods. They occasionally are seen eating seeds and berries in the dry season.[3][4] Groups coordinate defense against predators through calls and mobbing behavior.[4]
Breeding
Breeding takes place during the rainy season (November–January).[3][5] Nests are cup-shaped, made of coarse grass and plant fibers, and placed 1–3 m (3–10ft) above ground in dense shrubs or Mopane trees.[3] Clutches usually contain 2–4 eggs. Cooperative breeding is typical, the older offspring will watch the newly hatched offspring until they are old enough to defend themselves.[4][5]
Conservation status
The IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern. They have a stable population and have a large range.[2] Their main threats include overgrazing and habitat loss, but much of its habitat lies in protected areas, supporting long-term stability.[5]
12345678910Collar, Nigel; del Hoyo, Josep; Robson, Craig; Christie, David (2021-08-18), "Jungle Babbler (Argya striata)", Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, retrieved 2025-10-14
Collar, N. J. & Robson, C. 2007. Family Timaliidae (Babblers) pp.70 – 291 in; del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D.A. eds. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
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