Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis longicaudatus Scientific name definitions

The Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler, like other Spelaeornis, is endemic to a very restricted range in the montane forests of Northeast India. Although there is considerable historic confusion about the extent of its distribution (mostly resulting from ambiguous and potentially problematic records by E. C. Stuart Baker), all confirmed specimens and recent records are from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of eastern Meghalaya, India. Here, the Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler is extremely difficult to detect unless singing, being an inveterate skulker and only rarely revealing itself. Historically, the species was very common in the Khasi Hills, and many specimens were collected from the vicinity of Shillong and Cherrapunji. Recent surveys have revealed that it is now largely scarce and local, although it remains common in parts of its range, and it is unclear whether its apparent scarcity is due to its skulking habits. Severe habitat loss in parts of the Khasi Hills may pose a serious threat to its existence, although it apparently tolerates a considerable degree of habitat alteration. This article summarizes the little that is known of this species, an emblem of the threatened biodiversity of the Khasi Hills.