Habitat
Extensive reedbeds and tall grass, sometimes mixed with scrub and scattered trees, on marshy ground or adjacent to swamps and rivers, damp forest scrub. From sea-level - 800 m.
North-eastern India (Brahmaputra floodplains in Assam and immediately adjacent Arunachal Pradesh) and north-eastern Bangladesh.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Rapid and extensive loss and modification of tall grasslands and reedswamp through drainage, conversion to agriculture (primarily rice-paddy, mustard and tea plantations), overgrazing by domestic livestock, harvesting of grass for thatch production, inappropriate grassland management within protected areas, damming of marshes, throughout its limited range is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Sings with a short phrase, introduced by harsh notes 'krrt trr trr wi yi-yu; trr trr wi-you', 'trh-trh tu-tiu' and 'trrh-ti trrh-ti trrh-ti'.
Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) [XC19315]
by Yong Ding Li from Dibru Saikhowa, India (song)
Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) [XC79467]
by Frank Lambert from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam, India (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Puff-throated Babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps) which has a prominent supercilium, rufous-brown crown and prominent brown spotting on breast.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet