Red-legged Thrush

Overview

The Western red-legged thrush (Turdus plumbeus) is a species of bird native to the Caribbean. It was formerly considered the same species as the eastern red-legged thrush but was split in 2025 due to genetic and plumage differences. The species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Slaty upperparts with pale or rufous bellies, varying by subspecies.
• Throat is variably white and black.
• Legs, bill, and eye ring are bright orange-red.

Habitat

Found in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cuba, having formerly occurred on the Swan Islands but now extirpated there. Its natural habitats include subtropical and tropical dry and moist forests, montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest. Often considered the Caribbean counterpart to the American robin, it frequently visits gardens and lawns.

Diet

The diet is mostly fruits, but approximately one-third consists of animal matter such as insects, snails, frogs, lizards, and occasionally birds' eggs.

Did you know?

This species was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 based on accounts and illustrations by the English naturalist Mark Catesby.