Brunei Darussalam (B), Indonesia (B), Malaysia (B), Thailand (B).
Unknown to Singapore (E).
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Habitat destruction through illegal logging and conversion to agriculture, forest fires are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler (Macronus ptilosus) [XC808408]
by id from Panti Bird Sanctuary, Johor, Malaysia (song)
Fluffy-backed Tit-Babbler (Macronus ptilosus) [XC534595]
by Jelle Scharringa from Johor, Panti Forest Reserve, Bunker Trail, Malaysia (song)
Subspecies
Birds from Sumatra and Batu Is usually separated as subspecies trichorrhos, but differences from those in Malay Peninsula imperceptible in series of specimens. Other proposed subspecies are batuensis (on Batu Is), considered inseparable from nominate, and minor (on Bangka) and sordidus (on Belitung), both synonymized with reclusus.
The following 4 subspecies are recognised:
ptilosus Jardine & Selby, 1835 - Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, including Batu Is (off western coast).
reclusus Hartert, 1915 - Bangka I, Belitung I and Borneo.
trichorrhos (Temminck, 1836) - Sumatra and Batu Islands.
sordidus Chasen, 1937 - Bangka and Belitung islands.