The Iraq babbler (Argya altirostris) is a passerine bird species belonging to the family Leiotrichidae and has a limited geographic range. Taxonomically placed within the Leiotrichidae family, the species is monotypic, meaning it has no recognized subspecies. In older sources, it was referred to as Turdoides altirostris.

This species is endemic to the Mesopotamian region and is found primarily in the wetlands surrounding the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, from southeastern Türkiye to Syria, Iraq, and southwestern Iran. It is well known among local communities and has been most frequently observed in southeastern districts of Türkiye, such as Birecik and Nizip.

Description

The Iraq babbler is a small to medium-sized passerine bird, notable for its distinctive structure and behavior. It measures approximately 20–24 cm in length and weighs around 33 grams. It has a long tail and a curved bill.^【1】  The upperparts are light brown with soft-edged, medium-dark streaks, denser on the crown and upper back, becoming sparser toward the lower back. The underparts are unmarked and range from off-white to reddish cream.^【2】  The upper mandible is dark brown, while the lower mandible is paler, flesh-toned. Males and females are similar in appearance, while juveniles tend to be paler and greyer than adults. In flight, the wings beat in low, short bursts, making the species incapable of long or high-altitude flights.^【3】  It typically flies low to the ground, moving between shrubs and trees.

^{Iraq Babbler (Photo: Sharath G, pexels)}

Distribution and Habitat

The Iraq babbler is found within a limited but well-defined range extending from southeastern Türkiye through central Syria, southeastern Iraq, and into southwestern Iran. In Türkiye, it is observed year-round in areas like Birecik (Şanlıurfa) and Nizip (Gaziantep). Its distribution is closely tied to the Euphrates–Tigris river system and its associated wetland ecosystems. In Europe, its presence is extremely limited, with small and localized populations.^【4】 

Preferred habitats include wetlands and riparian environments such as dense reed beds, palm groves, farmlands bordered by poplars, and shrub-covered marshlands. The species is also commonly found in agricultural areas along irrigation channels and in fruit orchards. Dense vegetation in these areas provides the cover needed for nesting and feeding. Proximity to water and rich plant cover align with the Iraq babbler’s sedentary lifestyle.

^{Distribution Map (Image: The IUCN Red List)}

Behavior and Ecology

The Iraq babbler is a non-migratory, resident species. It typically lives in small groups of 5 to 7 individuals, though flocks of up to 15 have been recorded. These groups forage, move, and communicate together. The species is active both on the ground and in trees. Observations show that individuals defend their habitat aggressively and use relatively small areas (300–600 m²) intensively.^【5】 

Vocalization

This species is highly vocal and social. Its most well-known call is a descending melodic tone starting in high pitch: “Pherrrrreree…”. This is usually heard when an individual becomes separated from the group or during evening roosting periods. Group members also produce repetitive calls such as “pherr pherr pherr…” to maintain contact. Sharp, high-pitched alarm calls like “phist” and “phic” are emitted in response to threats.^【6】 

^{Alarm ötüşü (Kaynak: xeno-canto)}

Breeding

The Iraq babbler exhibits a monogamous breeding system, with the main breeding season running from March to July. It may nest two to three times per year. Nests are usually built 1.5 to 5 meters above ground in the forked branches of trees such as poplars (Populus) or tamarisks (Tamarix), or in large reeds like Arundo donax. The nest is a loosely woven cup made of stems, dry leaves, roots, fibers, reeds, and feathers. The incubation period is about 13 days, and chicks leave the nest around 10 days after hatching, though they often stay with their parents for a while. Females take on more parental duties, but cooperative breeding with help from other group members has also been observed.^【7】 

^{Irak Yedikardeşi (Fotoğraf: Sagar Bijalwan, pexels)}

Diet

The Iraq babbler is primarily insectivorous. Its diet mainly consists of grasshoppers, caterpillars, moths, butterflies, beetles, and dragonflies. Spiders are also commonly consumed. Occasionally, it supplements its diet with earthworms and the fruits of plants like goji berries. It forages on the ground as well as on tree bark, moving with agility and coordination.

Conservation Status

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment published in 2018, the Iraq babbler is classified as Least Concern (LC). While the species’ range is relatively limited, population trends do not indicate significant declines or thresholds of concern. However, habitat loss remains a potential threat.^【8】  Since the 1990s, dam construction, irrigation, and drainage projects in the Euphrates–Tigris basins have put much of the region’s wetlands at risk.

The species is listed under the Mesopotamian Wetlands Endemic Bird Area (EBA) and is included in certain regional conservation programs. However, there is currently no dedicated species-level conservation or monitoring program in place. The long-term survival of the Iraq babbler depends largely on the sustainability of its wetland habitats. Conservation priorities include protecting wetland areas, limiting the use of agrochemicals, and encouraging local monitoring initiatives.