Rufous-bellied Thrush
Turdus rufiventris
Large thrush found commonly in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, urban parks, gardens where it spends a lot of time foraging on the ground. It has an olive-brown back and breast with an orange belly and a paler streaked throat. Note the yellow eyering. The song, which varies among regions, is usually long and quite monotonous.
Identification
This species is named after its distinctive reddish-orange underparts. Rufous-bellied thrushes can reach a length of 25 cm and weigh up to 68 g (male) or 78 g (female), though weights of about 59 g for males and 64 g for females are more usual. Contrary to what one might expect from the rather marked weight difference, the females are not larger, only plumper; their tarsus is actually a bit shorter than that of males on average.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Turdus rufiventris
- Authority
- Vieillot, 1818
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Grenada Dove
Leptotila wellsi
A somewhat large, chunky dove of dry scrub woodlands where it is typically found foraging on ground. Its plain plumage, the lack of white on the wings, and the very limited white on its tail, distinguish it from other doves on Grenada. Its song is a drawn out low, plaintive “Hooooooo,” loudest near start. Critically endangered.
Black-and-white Mannikin
Spermestes bicolor
Small, big-billed, short-tailed waxbill. Shows profound geographical variation: a rufous back in southeastern Africa, and a black back in central and western Africa. Black-backed birds vary from having white barring on the wings and tail to having completely black wings and tail. Juveniles are very drab and brown but can usually be identified by their association with adults. Found in forest, moist woodland, and gardens, often in patches of seeding grass. Usually in small flocks. Call is a descending “teew”. Similar to Bronze Mannikin but has an all-blue bill and never shows a brown back.
Campo Troupial
Icterus jamacaii
Large and attractive blackbird with a long tail and a sharply pointed bill. Mostly black with a bright orange collar, belly, and rump. The orange shoulder patch and white wing patch stand out on its otherwise black wing. Note the piercing yellow eyes. Inhabits the edge of dry forests (caatinga) and is also seen in gardens and urban parks. The song is a series of pleasant whistles and the calls include harsh notes.
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