The bird species "bugun liocichla" is one of the rarest birds in India. Spelled as /ˈbuːɡʊn liːoʊtʃlə/, the word is difficult to spell without understanding the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "bu" is pronounced like "boo" while the second syllable "gun" is pronounced as "goon". The last two syllables, "liocichla" are pronounced as "lee-oh-ch-luh". The bird was discovered in 2006 and since then conservation efforts are in place to help save this endangered species.
"Bugun Liocichla" is a bird species belonging to the family of Leiothrichidae, endemic to the forests of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. This strikingly beautiful omnivorous bird is known for its vibrant and diverse plumage, characterized by a combination of vivid colors such as black, yellow, orange, and blue.
The Bugun Liocichla is a medium-sized bird, with an average length of about 20 centimeters. It possesses a unique and distinctive appearance, with a black head adorned with a distinctive patch of blue extending from the top of its bill to the nape. Its back and wings are predominantly black, contrasting with a brilliant yellow-orange underbelly. The tail is predominantly blue, with the outer feathers displaying white tips. Additionally, it has a striking orange patch on its shoulder.
This species primarily inhabits the subtropical montane forests of eastern Himalayas, typically found in altitudes between 2,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level. It is a highly active and arboreal bird, often encountered in small family groups or in mixed-species foraging flocks. Its diet consists of a wide range of food sources, including fruits, seeds, flowers, insects, and small invertebrates.
The Bugun Liocichla is categorized as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and illegal logging activities. Additional threats include hunting and the collection of individuals for the pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving and protecting this unique and colorful bird species for future generations.
The word "bugun liocichla" is not derived from any specific etymology as it is actually the name of a bird species, Liocichla bugunorum, which is a member of the babbler family. The name Bugun Liocichla is a compound name given to this bird species based on the Bugun tribe, an indigenous community residing in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The Bugun people played a significant role in the discovery and conservation efforts of this bird species, and thus it was named after them.