Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Deforestation and forest degradation throughout its range, particularly in areas where it occurs at lower elevations,, is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Sings with series of clear, monotone whistles. A harsh 'chrrr-chrrr-chrrr' when alarmed.
Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler (Napothera danjoui) [XC729545]
by Craig Robson from Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam (song)
Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler (Napothera danjoui) [XC396939]
by Teus Luijendijk from Giang Ly trail, lower Bidoup NP, L\u00e2m \u0110\u1ed3ng, Vietnam (song)
Subspecies
In Vietnam, birds in north-eastern Tonkin (with stronger black malar area and bold black-and-white feathering on belly) represent an as yet undescribed subspecies, and those in Central Highlands of southern part of central Annam (with brown of plumage colder and darker, rufous areas duller and paler, underparts and bill roughly intermediate between those of other races) another such.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
naungmungensis (Robinson & Kloss, 1919) - Naung Mung area of Kachin State, in northern Myanmar. Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Naung Mung Wren-Babbler (Rimator naungmungensis).
parvirostris Delacour, 1927 - Vietnam (south-eastern Tonkin south to northern part of central Annam) and adjacent central Laos.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet