The spiny babbler (Turdoides nipalensis) is a species of bird found in Nepal and other parts of South Asia. In Nepali, it is known by several common names including काँटेदार सिसकुन (kaante dar siskun), टाँग्रे सिसकुन (taangre siskun), and काँटेदार चिल (kaante dar chil). This medium-sized babbler gets its English and scientific name from the sharp, pointed feathers or “spines” on its wings and tail. Let’s explore more about the identification, distribution, habitat, behavior, diet, and cultural importance of the spiny babbler in Nepal.
Identification
The spiny babbler is a relatively large, long-tailed babbler, measuring 21–24 cm in length. It has olive-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a long white supercilium (eyebrow stripe). The throat and breast are finely streaked. The wings and tail are chestnut brown with white shafts and spots. As the common name suggests, the feathers of the wings and tail end in sharp, spine-like tips. The stout beak is black above and pale yellow below. The irises are reddish-brown and the legs are yellowish.
Male and female spiny babblers look alike. Juveniles have a scaly appearance on the underside and lack the wing spines. The birds are usually seen in small groups, noisily making chuckling, chattering, and squeaking calls as they forage.
Distribution in Nepal
The spiny babbler is found in various parts of Nepal up to elevations of 2500 m. Its distribution ranges across the Terai plains in the south up to the mid-hills. Some of the areas where it can be spotted include Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and the Kathmandu Valley.
Habitat
This babbler inhabits a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, scrublands, agricultural areas, gardens, and forest edges. It prefers places with scattered trees, bushes, tall grass, and dense vegetation where it can find cover. In Nepal, it is often seen along riverine forests, sal forests, and shrublands.
Behavior
The spiny babbler has some distinctive behaviors:
- Gregarious – It is usually found in small flocks of 6 to 10 birds, sometimes mixing with other babblers.
- Active – It is constantly on the move while foraging on the ground or in bushes.
- Vocal – It makes a loud, screeching “chit-chit-chit” call in alarm or excitement.
- Crepuscular – Most active at dawn and dusk but can be seen throughout the day.
- Skulking – Takes cover quickly and can be difficult to spot in dense vegetation.
- Territorial – Groups maintain and defend small territories.
- Roosting – Roosts communally, packed together on dense thorny bushes.
The birds move restlessly through their habitat, hopping and climbing through grass and bushes with tail cocked upright. Though always on the move, they remain close to cover. When threatened, they freeze or dive into dense vegetation. They are aggressive and noisy when defending their territory.
Diet
The spiny babbler is omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet that includes:
- Insects – beetles, caterpillars, ants, termites, crickets
- Other invertebrates – spiders, scorpions, millipedes, worms
- Seeds and grains
- Fruits and berries
- Small lizards and frogs
This babbler forages mainly on the ground, scavenging through leaf litter and rummaging among grass tufts to capture prey. It also searches in low bushes and tree branches. Strong legs allow them to jump and run swiftly while chasing insects. Birds often forage cooperatively in small groups.
Breeding
The breeding season of spiny babblers in Nepal is before the monsoons, from March to June. They build a large, spherical nest with a side entrance in a bush or tree, 1-3 m above ground. The nest has an outer layer of twigs and an inner cup lined with fine grass.
Both sexes participate in nest building over 7-10 days. The typical clutch consists of 3-4 eggs which are glossy white with reddish spots. The female incubates the eggs alone for 12-14 days. Hatchlings are fed by both parents and fledge in about 14 days. Often, the chicks from earlier nests help feed younger chicks.
Threats and conservation
The spiny babbler has a wide range and large population, estimated globally at 5-50 million birds. It is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, its numbers are suspected to be in moderate decline due to habitat degradation. Potential threats include:
- Loss of grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands
- Agricultural intensification and increased pesticide use
- Urban expansion and infrastructure development
- Unsustainable firewood collection
- Overgrazing by livestock
Conservation actions that would benefit the species include protecting remaining patches of natural habitat, managing grasslands sustainably, and limiting pesticide use.
Cultural importance in Nepal
The spiny babbler features in Nepali folklore where its noisy antics and repetitive loud calls are associated with gossiping and scandals! Their Nepali name “kaante dar siskun” refers to the spinose feathers that resemble thorns.
These birds are not considered threatened or endangered in Nepal. They are adaptable to living close to humans and will visit gardens and agricultural areas. However, uncontrolled use of pesticides can affect their insect food source. Communities can support spiny babbler conservation by sustainably managing scrublands, grasslands, and forest edges where these birds occur.
Conclusion
The spiny babbler is a fascinating bird and an important part of Nepal’s avifauna. Its range of vocalizations, social behavior, nesting habits, and adaptations like cryptic plumage and spinose feathers make it a joy to observe in the wild. This species highlights the diversity of habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife found across Nepal. Conserving natural habitats and sustainable practices will ensure the spiny babbler continues to thrive in this region.
