Arabian Babbler

Argya squamiceps (Cretzschmar, 1827)

Arabian Babbler, Argya squamiceps, is a passerine of arid scrub in the Middle East, breeding from Egypt and Israel to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is a resident bird that lives in stable social groups with a clear hierarchy and breeds cooperatively. The species was once placed in Turdoides, but is now in Argya. It favours dry river beds with sparse trees and bushes, and occurs in arid scrubland and savanna. Its range reaches Jordan, Israel and eastern Sinai, and in Yemen it is found as high as 2800 metres above sea-level.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Leiothrichidae — Laughingthrushes & Allies

Breeding range

Palearctic: ne Egypt and Israel to se Arabian Pen.