It is endemic to the highlands of the Main range, central peninsular Malaysia, at least historically ranging from the Cameron Highlands south to the Genting Highlands, and probably remaining uncommon to more or less common. It has been recorded in several places in Peninsula namely Bukit Larut, Cameron Highland, Bukit Tinggi/Awana. You have better chance to see it in Fraser's Hill than any places.This species is resident in the ground and lower storey of hill and montane evergreen forest, usually near streams, at c.750-1,750 m.
It nests with eggs (clutch-size 1-2) and young have been found in March and September, described as "massive half-cup" structures, which have been found in roots, ferns and behind waterfalls.
It is medium-sized about 25cm, Mainly dark black-blue plumage. Bright metallic blue lesser coverts and base of median coverts to wing-bend. Juvenile generally sootier black.
MWT has a soft mix of fluty and scratchy notes. Call a loud, thin tsee.
It similar cousin; Blue Whistling-thrush M. caeruleus as a comparison is slightly larger, heavier-billed and proportionally shorter-tailed, with dull whitish median covert tips and bluish speckles on mantle, scapulars, sides of head and throat. The main difference is the indigo blue patch on the Malayan WT's wing......see it.
Below is a interesting article by Amila Salgado on his exploit to see this elusive bird in Fraser Hill. Wish to thank Tay & Durai aka FH birdman and nice meeting up Tony & family..............
http://www.birdwingnature.com/pdf/Malaysian_Whistling-thrush-article.pdf
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