Leiothrix argentauris ricketti

(La Touche, 1923)

Vernacular names

English : Silver-eared mesia
French : Léiothrix à joues argent

Classification

Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Leiothrichidae
Notes : 9 other subspecies known

Identification

The species grows to 17 cm in length for a weight of 29 g. Bright yellow bill, black head with silvery ear tuft and yellow forehead. Grey-green plumage with golden flight feathers, orange-red throat for this subspecies.

Range and habitat

Subspecies found in south China, nearby Laos and Vietnam. Species occurs from north India (Himalayas) to south China, south to Peninsular Malaysia. Lives in evergreen, mixed forests with bushy undergrowth, plantations, to 2100 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range and is common where suitable habitat is found. Some populations are depleted because of intense trapping for trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation