Chestnut-bellied Thrush

Overview

The chestnut-bellied thrush (Turdus fulviventris) is a species of bird in the family Turdidae found in northwestern South America. It is an uncommon species with a slowly declining population, though it retains a conservation status of Least Concern due to its large range and total population.

Identification

• Grows to a length of about 25 cm.
• Adult males possess a black head and throat with white streaking, a dark grey back, and dusky wings and tail.
• The upper breast is pale grey, while the lower breast and belly are rufous; females are similar but duller.
• Features a yellow beak, a narrow orange eye ring, and dull yellow legs.
• Song is rarely heard and consists of disjointed phrases interspersed with short trills and buzzes.

Habitat

Native to western Venezuela, western Colombia, Ecuador, northern Peru, and northwestern Bolivia. It inhabits the canopy and edges of montane forests and woodland at altitudes between 1,400 and 2,600 m, as well as heavily degraded former forest.

Diet

Forages among twigs and branches, and descends to ground level to turn over leaf litter, particularly beside roads and trails. Its diet consists of invertebrates, and it may remain in one area for extended periods while searching.

Did you know?

It is the only thrush in the genus Turdus with a rufous belly found in the northern Andes.