The ashy thrush, also known as the ashy ground-thrush, is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to the Philippines in Luzon and Mindoro. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade.
Region
Philippines (Luzon and Mindoro)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland to foothill forest, as well as lower montane forest, often near ravines and streams. It keeps to dense understory and bamboo thickets, foraging mostly on the forest floor. The species tolerates some secondary growth but is scarce in heavily degraded habitats and avoids open areas. It is patchily distributed where suitable intact forest remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The ashy thrush is a secretive ground-dwelling thrush found only on Luzon and Mindoro in the Philippines. It favors dense, shaded forest where it forages by flipping leaf litter for invertebrates and occasionally fruits. Habitat loss and trapping have caused notable declines, making it a conservation priority. Its clear, fluty song is most often heard at dawn from low perches within the understory.
Juvenile in LMEP.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to cover on the forest floor. Builds a neat cup nest placed low in a fork or shrub. Clutch is typically 2–3 eggs; the female incubates while both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, fluty series of whistles delivered in measured phrases, often repeated. Most vocal at dawn from low to mid-level perches, with soft tsip contact calls given while foraging.
Plumage
Ashy-gray upperparts with clean white underparts marked by bold black crescent-shaped bars giving a scalloped look. Shows two pale wingbars and a whitish throat with fine dark markings. Tail and wings are darker slate-gray, with neat, crisp contrasts overall.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, along with earthworms and small snails. It occasionally consumes berries and small fruits when available. Foraging involves methodical hopping and flicking aside leaf litter to expose prey.
Preferred Environment
Shaded forest floor, especially along gullies, stream edges, and dense understory or bamboo patches. Also uses lightly disturbed secondary forest where leaf litter is intact.
