Formerly considered a subspecies of Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis and sometimes Pomatorhinus erythrogenys. Now treated as a separate species following Collar, N. J. (2006) A partial revision of the Asian babblers (Timaliidae). Forktail 22: 85-112.
Subspecies:
P. g. odicus - NE & E Myanmar. N Indochina, S Yunnan, Guizhou (except N)
P. g. decarlei - E Xizang, SW Sichuan, NE Yunnan
P. g. dedekensi - (N)E Xizang, S Qinghai, W Sichuan, NW Yunnan
P. g. gravivox - S Gansu, S Shaanxi, S Shanxi, NW Henan, N Sichuan
P. g. cowensae - C & E Sichuan, N Guizhou, W Hubei
