FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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The large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) is a large bird in the genus Turdoides. Part of the family Leiothrichidae, the bird species has its range of distribution in the scrub, open forest, and garden land all over India and far western Nepal. The bird species has always been related to the jungle babbler and their range also overlaps in the huge swathes of central and western India. Large grey babbler birds are found in small flocks of around 10 birds and keep in contact with each other with loud nasal calls.
The scientific name of the large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) is given to commemorate the person who collected the specimen sample first, Major-General Sir John Malcolm. It is a common species found all over its region of occurrence. The birds are distinguished both by their sound as well as their appearance. The whitish outer feathers to their long tail are one of the most recognizable features in the birds. Identification of these birds can be done by a brownish body and dark lores. Pale grey coloration is seen on the rump and upper tail covers. The bird has darker brown wings and a yellow iris. There are cases of some species of these birds showing albinism or leucism.
The usual diet of this species is similar to other members of the genus of the family Leiothrichidae. The birds are known to feed on insects, seeds, grains, and berries.
For more relatable content, check out these frigate facts and great frigatebird fun facts for kids.
The large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) is a species of babblers found in India and Nepal.
The large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) falls under the class of Aves in the kingdom of Animalia.
The population numbers are not known for these birds, however, it is said to be stable currently and there is no immediate threat to the population. The extent of occurrence is 895757 sq mi (2,320,000 sq km).
The species is found across India and far western Nepal. The birds are found south of the Himalayas to the east of the Thar desert until Bihar. The birds are also seen in northeast Pakistan. A small population of the bird is also found in Puducherry.
They are not found in east India, Tamil Nadu, Kerela, and the presence of a population in the Sind area is not recorded. The species was first described in the Deccan Plateau region.
Groups of these birds have been seen in the gardens of Hyderabad and Pune. However, in urban cities like Bangalore, they are only seen in the outer areas covering the city.
The habitats of these birds include open dry scrub forests and cultivated regions. They are also found in fallow land, open plantations, gardens, and village environments.
The birds are known for their social nature and live in small groups of around 10 individuals.
The lifespan of the species is not known. However, the associated species called the jungle babblers live for around 17 years in captivity.
These birds breed throughout the year. However, most activity is seen in the months from March to September. An average clutch of four eggs is laid by the females and all the members of the group take part in the caring process. This process is also called cooperative breeding. The nest is shaped like a cup and is kept in a shrub often of thorny species. Nests are made with the help of one or two helpers with twigs, grass, and roots.
The conservation status of the large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The range of distribution of the species is extremely large and the population is also currently considered stable. However, habitat loss and hunting can be considered a cause of concern and should be minimalized, if not stopped immediately.
The identification of the bird is characterized by a brown body with creamy white outer tail feathers. These feathers are only visible when the birds fly with fluttery wing beats low over the ground. They have dark lores. The forehead is grey-colored with white shaft streaks on the feathers. Pale grey coloration is seen on the rump and upper tail covers. The mantle however has dark blotches or spots. A darker brown coloration is seen on the wings. The iris is colored yellow. The birds have a long tail that is cross barred, albeit faintly.
They can be considered quite cute.
The birds are known to keep in contact with others in the group with the help of a loud nasal call.
The bird species have a length around 10.5-11 in (26.6-28 cm).
The speed of flight is not known.
The weight of the bird is not known.
Males and females of the species are not given different names.
A baby is called young or juvenile
The main diet of these birds consists of insects but they may also feed on grain, seeds, and berries.
The jungle babbler, a species of babblers found in the Indian subcontinent, usually has a diet of insects and invertebrates consisting of grasshoppers, ants, wasps, cockroaches, termites, beetles, moths, crickets, spiders, caterpillars, and flies.
They are very sociable and friendly. As they are also found in gardens and parks, they do not consider humans as threats.
They are not usually considered pets.
As the habitat of the large grey babbler (Turdoides malcolmi) coincides with that of the jungle babbler, they probably have the common enemy in snakes. However, the nests are usually parasitized by bird species like the pied cuckoo and the common hawk-cuckoo. This is similar to the jungle babbler.
The bird was first found in the Deccan Plateau region.
The call is basically loud nasal calls made to communicate with each other within the flock. A repetitive, plaintive 'kay-kay-kay-kay' noise is heard most of the time. This is less squeaky than the jungle babblers. However, when alarmed, the bird makes a nosy chattering voice.
They are not known to migrate.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these tawny owl facts and hornbill facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable large grey babbler coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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