CHESTNUT-BACKED THRUSH
Turdus rubrocanus
DESCRIPTION
The Chestnut-backed thrush (Turdus rubrocanus) is a medium-sized bird characterized by its rich chestnut-colored back and contrasting pale underparts. It has a distinctive yellow eye-ring and a slightly curved bill, which aids in foraging. This thrush is known for its melodious song, often heard during the breeding season, and it typically inhabits dense forested areas, where it can be elusive and difficult to spot.
FUN FACTS
- The Chestnut-backed thrush is known for its beautiful and complex song, which can vary significantly between individuals, making each bird's call unique
- This species plays an important role in its ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds through its fruit-eating habits, contributing to forest regeneration.| Despite its shy nature, the Chestnut-backed thrush can be quite bold during the breeding season, often defending its territory vigorously against intruders, including other thrushes
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 10 years in the wild
Average Weight70-100 g
Average Length24-26 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structurepair
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- This species prefers humid, tropical forests and can often be found in undergrowth and dense vegetation. It thrives in areas with abundant leaf litter, which provides ample foraging opportunities.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- The Chestnut-backed thrush is native to the montane forests of Central America, particularly in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama.
- Continent
- North America, Central America
- Countries
- Costa Rica, Panama
- Diet
- The Chestnut-backed thrush primarily feeds on insects, fruits, and berries. It forages on the ground and in low vegetation, using its keen eyesight to locate food.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, fruits, berries
- Social Structure
- pair
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
LC
DD
LC
70-100 g
Weight
24-26 cm
Length
- Coloration
- rich chestnut back, pale underparts, yellow eye-ring
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion is the main threat to this species. Additionally, climate change may impact its montane forest habitat.
- Predators
- snakes, raptors, domestic cats
- Defense Mechanisms
- The Chestnut-backed thrush relies on its cryptic coloration and secretive behavior to avoid predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare