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5 Birds That End with the Letter X

Learn about birds that start with all 26 letters of the alphabet!

There are numerous bird species worldwide, categorizing them can be fun and challenging! This article highlights 5 bird species, such as babax and the colorful red-billed leiothrix. As we explore these unique species, you will notice that they share a common feature: the letter X at the end of their names.

So let’s start!

1. Chinese babax

Chinese babax
Chinese babax | image by lonelyshrimp via Wikimedia Commons

Scientific Name: Pterorhinus lanceolatus

The Chinese babax is a distinctive bird found in the mountainous areas of China, known for its bold yet secretive nature. It boasts a streaky brown body, accented with dark chestnut “moustache” stripes by its throat and white eyes, blending into the dense shrubbery of its environment. Preferring hilly terrains, this bird is rarely seen, often hiding in thick underbrush.

It momentarily pops into view to sing its melodious song before quickly disappearing again into the vegetation. The Chinese babax’s elusive behavior and preference for dense habitats make it an intriguing subject for bird enthusiasts, highlighting the rich biodiversity of China’s high-altitude regions.

2. Giant babax

Scientific Name: Pterorhinus waddelli

The Giant babax, closely related to the more widely known Chinese babax, is a robust, long-tailed bird characterized by its bulky brown body, complemented by dark streaking across the upper half. This bird features a slightly curved bill, suited to its diet of seeds, insects, and small invertebrates found in the mountainous regions of Tibet and adjacent areas.

Its preference for open scrubland and forest edges within these high-altitude habitats allows it to blend into the environment, despite its size. The distinct, melodious call of the Giant babax is a signature trait, echoing across the valleys it inhabits.

3. Mount Victoria babax

Mount Victoria babax
Mount Victoria babax | image by Lonelyshrimp via Wikimedia Commons

Scientific Name: Pterorhinus woodi

The Mount Victoria babax is a distinctive babbler species, noted for its streaked brown plumage and a standout feature of a thick black stripe resembling a moustache beneath its slightly curved dark bill. This bird is unique to the high-altitude environments of Mount Victoria, thriving in open forested areas, edges of forests, and dense thickets at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2800 meters.

This bird is known for its unique whistles, sounding like “puh-pooo-yih! puh-pooo-yih!”, which contribute to the sounds of its surroundings.

4. Tibetan babax

The Tibetan babax thrives in the high-altitude environments of the Tibetan plateau, where its gray-brown plumage allows it to blend seamlessly into the scrubby and bushy landscapes. This bird is well-known for its loud calls that echo through its mountainous habitat. Feeding on insects and seeds plays a significant role in the local ecosystem.

Currently classified as near threatened, the Tibetan babax faces the challenge of habitat loss, primarily due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Protecting its natural environment is vital for ensuring the species’ future.

Scientific Name: Pterorhinus koslowi

5. Red-billed leiothrix

Red-billed leiothrix
Red-billed leiothrix | image by Koshy Koshy via Flickr | CC BY 2.0

Scientific Name: Leiothrix lutea

The Red-billed leiothrix is a small, colorful bird, known for its bright yellow throat, greenish upper body, and a distinctive red bill, making it a visual treat in its natural habitat. Originally from the forests of southern Asia, including India, China, and the Himalayas, this bird has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Hawaii.

The Red-billed leiothrix prefers dense, wet forests and thick underbrush where it can find insects and fruits, its primary food sources. This species is celebrated for its melodious song, a mix of whistles and chirps that adds to the rich soundscape of its environment. 

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