Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush
Catharus mexicanus
Small, plain-breasted thrush of tropical and subtropical evergreen forest in foothills and highlands. Usually elusive and heard far more often than seen. Feeds mainly on the ground, but also in fruiting bushes and trees. Sings from low to middle level perches. Plumage distinctive, with blackish cap, contrasting orange eyering and bill, and dusky upperparts. In dark shady understory, could be confused with Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, which has rusty brown upperparts. Song distinctive: slightly scratchy and not very fluty.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Catharus mexicanus
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1856)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Catharus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chinese Hwamei
Garrulax canorus
A medium-sized thrushlike bird of dense forests and undergrowth. The reddish brown coloration and white spectacles are distinctive. Usually skulks in dense vegetation, but may sing from an exposed perch or forage out in the open during dawn and dusk. Usually observed singly or in pairs. The song is loud, long, and varied, involving mimicry of other birds, whistles, and harsh notes that are often repeated. Introduced to Taiwan, Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant
Myiotheretes pernix
Scarce flycatcher found only at higher elevations in Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains. Quite similar to the more widespread Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, but can be distinguished by the indistinct and less extensive streaking on the throat and lack of cinnamon at the base of the underside of the tail; whistled calls are shorter, clearer, and descend more in pitch. Usually seen perched high in the canopy of cloud forest. Regularly encountered in the upper parts of El Dorado Nature Reserve.
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Boldly patterned thrush is bright rusty-brown above with black spots on the white belly. Smaller than a robin, but larger than Hermit Thrush. Sticks to wooded areas, often hopping on the ground. More often heard than seen: listen for its incredible, flute-like song. Population is declining; winters in Central America.
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