Rosy Thrush-Tanager
Rhodinocichla rosea
Handsome, but typically skulking and rarely seen bird of tropical lowlands and lower foothills. Found in shady understory of dense brushy woodland, deciduous forest, and coffee plantations. Usually seen as singles or pairs, on or near the ground where uses its long bill to toss leaves. Pairs call back and forth with varied rich whistles and clucks. The male can look dark overall, with a whitish eyebrow, but when he faces you the rose-pink bib is stunning. Female has a rusty-orange bib.
Identification
The rosy thrush-tanager is about 20 cm (8 in) long. The male is a distinctive bird with a long streak above the eye, pink in front of the eye and white behind. The upper parts are dark, brownish-black, the flanks are dusky grey and the underparts magenta, as is the leading edge of the wing. The female is generally similar to the male but the rosy-magenta is replaced by a deep ochre colour. The beak is long and slightly curved, resembling that of a mimid.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Rhodinocichla rosea
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1832)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Rhodinocichla
Range and habitat
The distribution in Central America and northern South America includes Mexico, Costa Rica, northern Venezuela and northern Colombia. Typical habitat is thick undergrowth in deciduous forests, secondary woodland, thickets and scrubland. It most frequently occurs in the mountain foothills at altitudes varying between 500 and 1,500 m (1,600 and 4,900 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The rosy thrush-tanager usually occurs singly or in pairs. It flits among low undergrowth or hops along on the ground, turning over the leaf litter with its beak. It is a shy, rather furtive bird and difficult to observe. It does, however, respond well if a recording of its voice is played to it; its song is a rich succession of clear notes, and is sometimes sung in duet, two birds alternating in its production. It is the only tanager known to sing in this way. The diet is a mixture of animal and vegetable matter. Breeding is reported to take place in July in Mexico and between January and September in Costa Rica.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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