Arabian babbler

The Arabian babbler (Argya squamiceps) is a passerine bird until recently placed in the genus Turdoides. It is a communally nesting resident bird of arid scrub in the Middle East which lives together in relatively stable groups with strict orders of rank.

It is 26 to 29 cm (10 to 11 in) long with a wingspan of 31 to 33.5 cm (12.2 to 13.2 in) and a weight of 64 to 87.9 g (2.26 to 3.10 oz). It has a fairly long curved bill, a long tail, rounded wings and strong legs and feet. The plumage is grey-brown above, paler below. There are dark streaks on the back and the throat is whitish. It has a variety of calls including whistles, trills and chattering.