Ecuadorian Thrush
Turdus maculirostris
A common thrush of clearings and forest edge in most of western Ecuador; also reaches far northwestern Peru. Adult’s tan plumage, yellow bill, and orange eyering are distinct in its range. Young birds have pale spots on their wings, and a mottled breast; they may also have darker bills. Sings a melodious song that can last for many minutes, and also gives a cat-like meow. Visits fruit feeders in some areas.
Identification
The Ecuadorian thrush is 21.5 – 23 cm long. It is plain olive-brown above (paler than bare-eyed) and a paler brown below. The throat is brown-streaked off-white, and the lower belly is whitish. It has a narrow yellow eye ring. Sexes are similar, but young birds are flecked above and spotted below. There are no subspecies.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Turdus maculirostris
- Authority
- Berlepsch & Taczanowski, 1884
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The nest is a lined bulky cup of twigs low in a tree. The only known clutch was of three reddish-blotched blue eggs.<p>The Ecuadorian thrush feeds in trees on fruit, berries and some insects and earthworms. It is a shy species, and may be largely crepuscular. It is normally alone or in pairs, but may congregate in fruiting trees, often with plumbeous-backed thrush.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rondonia Warbling-Antbird
Hypocnemis ochrogyna
A relatively small antbird. Males are heavily streaked black and white on the head and back with a lightly streaked breast, and rusty flanks and lower back. Females have a browner tinge to the head and back. Inhabits the understory of humid primary forest and old second growth, favoring tree fall gaps. Sometimes accompanies mixed-species flocks and regularly attends army-ant swarms. The song begins with a clear series of 4-6 notes and finishes with harsh notes.
Gray-winged Blackbird
Turdus boulboul
A large forest thrush whose name describes its key feature; males are black and females are brown, but both have flashing silvery wings. Bright orange bill and eyering are eye-catching in dark forests. Forages quietly in the understory of montane and submontane broadleaf evergreen forests. Often solitary, occasionally in flocks in the winter. Tends not to visit gardens and parks like Tibetan and Chinese blackbirds, but does occasionally visit feeders at hides. Sweet, “thrushy” song consists of warbled phrases, sometimes with a slightly scratchy quality.
Mangrove Cuckoo
Coccyzus minor
Slender, long-tailed bird found in shrubby woodland (especially mangroves). Brown above and buffy below with gray cap, black mask, and bold black-and-white pattern on underside of tail. Bill is black on top, yellow below. Similar to Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but note buffy belly, black mask, and no rufous in the wings. Shy; tends to sit still for long periods of time, can be difficult to spot. Song is a series of low croaking notes, gradually becoming longer and lower-pitched. Feeds primarily on insects and small reptiles.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.