Tawny-breasted Wren-Babbler Spelaeornis longicaudatus in the Jaintia Hills, and an update on its status in Meghalaya

Abstract

Reporting an observation of the Tawny-breasted Wren Babbler - Spelaeornis longicaudatus - in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. Earlier records have been restricted to the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and this observation represents a significant extension of its known distribution. Since the species is classified as "Vulnerable" in the IUCN Red List due to its resitricted distribution, the present observation may lead to a downgrading of its classification. Although the nest and chicks were not observed, this observation is very likely to be a nesting record, based on the behaviour of the observed birds.