Scaly-breasted Thrasher

Overview

The scaly-breasted thrasher (Allenia fusca) is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It is found throughout much of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea and is assessed as being of Least Concern.

Identification

• Approximately 23 cm long, with a short and slightly decurved bill that gives it a thrush-like appearance.
• Dark gray-brown head and upperparts, with a reddish tinge on the rump.
• Whitish underparts with bold gray-brown markings on the chest and flanks that give the eponymous scaly appearance.
• Song consists of a series of varied notes and phrases, similar to those of Mimus mockingbirds but softer and slower.

Habitat

The scaly-breasted thrasher primarily inhabits forest and semi-open woodland and is also found around human settlements. Its range extends throughout much of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on arthropods, fruits, and berries. It forages in trees, hunting at varying levels from low down to high in the canopy depending on the island. It appears to eat a larger percentage of vegetable foods than other thrashers.

Did you know?

The bird was originally placed in the genus Margarops alongside the pearly-eyed thrasher before being moved to its current monotypic genus, Allenia.