About Trochalopteron variegatum (Vigors, 1831)
The variegated laughingthrush (Trochalopteron variegatum) is a medium-sized laughingthrush, typically measuring 24 to 26 centimeters in length and weighing 57 to 79 grams. Both recognized subspecies share a black stripe running down the center of the throat, and have an overall coloration of olive and buffy tones. Their large tail features a gray subterminal band and a white tip. The color of the outer tail feathers (rectrices) differs between the two subspecies. The nominate subspecies, T. v. variegatum, has distinctive yellow primary and secondary flight feathers, cinnamon-tipped greater coverts, black primary coverts, and yellow outer rectrices. The area surrounding the beak is black, extending up to the eye, and this black area is interrupted by a white eye-ring. The buff-colored area at the base of the lower mandible fades to whitish. T. v. variegatum also has a buff forehead and a brownish gray crown. T. v. simile is similar in appearance to T. v. variegatum, with the following differences: it has gray primary and secondary feathers, gray outer rectrices, a whiter area around the lower mandible, and more dull buff coloration on the forehead.
