The Sikkim wedge-billed babblerorblackish-breasted babbler (Stachyris humei) is a species of bird in the Old World babblerfamily (Timaliidae). It is named for the Indian state of Sikkim.
This species described by Louis Mandelli based on specimens from Sikkim and placed in the genus Heterorhynchus[2] which was however preoccupied leading to it briefly being placed in the genus StachyrirhynchusbyHume. However the genus Sphenocichla was erected before this by Godwin-Austen and Lord Tweeddale for the Manipur or Cachar wedge-billed babbler and this species was moved to the genus Sphenocichla.[3][4] Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that the species in the genus Sphenocichla were nested amid species of Stachyris leading to them being merged into the older described genus Stachyris.[5]
The species was previously known as the wedge-billed babbler and included Stachyris humei and the now separated Stachyris roberti which was earlier treated as a subspecies.[6]
It inhabits the understorey of broadleaf evergreen forest and bamboo at 900–1,950 m, favouring westward facing slopes in Bhutan. It occupies lower elevations only during the winter. It occurs in small parties and feeds on insects, particularly woodlice and boring beetles.[7]
^Austen, Godwin; Walden, Arthur Viscount (2008). "Descriptions of some supposed new Species of Birds". Ibis. 17 (2): 250. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1875.tb06156.x.
Collar, N. J. & Robson, C. 2007. Family Timaliidae (Babblers) pp. 70–291 in; del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Christie, D.A. eds. Handbook of the Birds of the World, Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.