| Malia grata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Locustellidae |
| Genus: | Malia Schlegel, 1880 |
| Species: | M. grata |
| Binomial name | |
| Malia grata Schlegel, 1880 | |
 | |
Themalia (Malia grata)[2] is a medium-sized (approximately 29 cm long) babbler-likepasserine. It has an olive-green plumage, yellowish head and chest, and pinkish-brownbill. The young is duller than the adult. It is the only member of the genusMalia.
AnIndonesianendemic, the malia is restricted to montane forests ofSulawesi. Usually, it is found in pairs or small groups of three to seven birds. The diet consists mainly of insects, beetles and otherarthropods.
There has been some debate over thetaxonomic relationships of the malia. It has some plumage characteristics reminiscent ofbulbuls, and has been shifted between that family and thewastebasket taxon Timaliidaesensu lato by past authors.[3][4] A study published early in 2012 found that the malia was not ababbler;[5] later in the same year, a second study determined that it was instead an aberrant member of the familyLocustellidae.[6]
Widespread and common in its habitat and range, the malia is evaluated asLeast Concern on theIUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[1]
