Bare-cheeked Babbler

About the Bare-cheeked Babbler

The bare-cheeked babbler (Turdoides gymnogenys) is a passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae and is native to arid savannas of southwestern Africa, specifically northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola. It is known for its brown feathers and the bare skin on its cheeks. The species is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is a commonly found local bird.

The species was first described in 1865 by Gustav Hartlaub as Crateropus gymnogenys and later reassigned to Turdoides. It is classified to the family Leiothrichidae, known as the laughingthrushes and allies, which is a group recognized for its social living and unique vocals. The bare-cheeked babbler is identified as having two different species, gymnogenys in Angola and kaokensis in Namibia but most authorities regard the species as one due to minimal variation.

Adults measure 23–25 cm (9–10 in) in length and weigh roughly 60–70 g (2.1–2.5 oz). Their upperparts are a medium brown, have gray or white underparts, and a light gray crown. The bare bluish gray facial skin on the cheeks and the yellow eyes are the most distinctive features... Wikipedia →