Photo: J Gould and H C Richter / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Marsh Babbler
Pellorneum palustre
Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of South & Southeast Asia.
Found on 1 guide in our atlas — open it for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) is a member of the Pellorneidae family found in South & Southeast Asia. Adults weigh 21.5 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Pellorneidae Ground Babblers
- Genus Pellorneum
- Species palustre
Quick facts
- Weight
- 21.5 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Pellorneidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Marsh Babbler is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.
Migration
The Marsh Babbler is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) belongs to the Pellorneidae family of the order Passeriformes. Its range spans South & Southeast Asia. Its distribution covers OR ne India.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 21.5 g, with a wing length of about 6.3 cm and a tail of around 6.7 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 63,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Marsh Babbler?
The Marsh Babbler is a small bird that weighs around 21.5 g.
Where does the Marsh Babbler live?
The Marsh Babbler is found across South & Southeast Asia with a range covering OR ne India, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Marsh Babbler belong to?
The Marsh Babbler (Pellorneum palustre) belongs to the Pellorneidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Marsh Babbler eat?
The Marsh Babbler is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the Marsh Babbler migrate?
The Marsh Babbler is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Marsh Babbler endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Marsh Babbler make?
1 real field recording of the Marsh Babbler — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Marsh Babbler's range?
The Marsh Babbler has a mapped global range of about 63,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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