Pale-eyed Thrush
Turdus leucops
This scarce thrush is found in forests of the subtropical zone from Venezuela to Bolivia, usually at elevations from 1,000–2,000 m. Males are dark black with a staring pale eye and orange bill and legs. Females are rich dark brown with a dark bill, no eyering, and some pale mottling on the belly. To separate from other similar thrushes, especially note the lack of an eyering on both sexes. Not frequently encountered. Males perch at the top of a tree when singing; listen for the squeaky and complex thrushlike song. Otherwise most likely to be seen at a fruiting tree within the forest.
Identification
The pale-eyed thrush (Turdus leucops) is a species of bird in the family Turdidae, the thrushes and allies. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Taxonomy
Its genus is controversial. Some taxonomists place this species in the genus Platycichla based on morphology. The South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithologists' Union places it in the genus Turdus, as does the International Ornithological Committee.
- Scientific name
- Turdus leucops
- Authority
- Taczanowski, 1877
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
Range and habitat
It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Japanese Robin
Larvivora akahige
Small migratory songbird of mature forest with distinctive orange breast and dull brown upperparts. Sticks to undergrowth in both montane breeding grounds and lowland wintering grounds, though presence in the former may be given away by its loud song: a trill following a single introductory note. Forages on the ground and prefers to stick to shady areas. Occasionally found in parks and gardens on migration.
Variable Limestone Babbler
Gypsophila crispifrons
A large, chunky, scraggly-looking babbler found in limestone hills covered with forest. Gray and brown overall with heavy streaking on the head, back, and throat. An odd white morph shows a variable amount and distribution of bright white on the head and breast. Forages close to the ground, often in and around rocky cracks and crevices. Song is a loud, ringing, rather hoarse-sounding sequence of whistled notes including some repeated phrases, sometimes given as a duet by a pair. Also gives harsh “grrr” calls. Similar to Streaked Wren-Babbler, but larger and longer-tailed, lacking white spots on the shoulder.
Moustached Turca
Pteroptochos megapodius
Fairly common; seen more readily than other large tapaculos. Like huet-huets, loud calls often draw attention. Found in matorral and other native scrub on hillsides and rocky slopes. Often perches on rocks or runs along roadsides, tail cocked strongly. Besides its large, “fat” size and shape, note big white “mustaches,” solidly brownish breast, and boldly barred belly. Compare with smaller and longer-tailed White-throated Tapaculo, which is often in the same areas.
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