White-chinned Thrush

Overview

The white-chinned thrush (Turdus aurantius) is a species of bird in the family Turdidae endemic to Jamaica. Known locally as the hopping dick, it is common and widespread across the island and is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 24–26.5 cm with the face, crown and nape black, while the upperparts are dark grey and underparts are mid-grey.
• A small white wing patch formed by the edges of the innermost greater coverts, alongside a whitish chin.
• Bill, legs and feet are orange with brown eyes, distinguishing it from the white-eyed thrush which lacks these orange features.
• Sexes are similar in appearance and the species is monotypic with no recognised subspecies.

Habitat

This bird inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest. It is restricted to the island of Jamaica where it is common and widespread.

Did you know?

The species is known locally in Jamaica as 'hopping dick' and 'chick-me-chick'. Its scientific name, Turdus aurantius, derives from Latin and Modern Latin terms meaning 'thrush' and 'orange-coloured', respectively.