The bare-eyed thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania.
Region
Horn of Africa and East African coast
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Ethiopia and Somalia south through eastern Kenya into northeastern Tanzania. It favors dry to semi-arid habitats including acacia-Commiphora scrub, thorn woodland, coastal thickets, and edges of cultivated areas. Often found near dense shrubs, riparian thickets, and garden hedges where cover is available. Typically forages on or near the ground but will also visit fruiting bushes. Uses human-modified habitats when sufficient cover and water are present.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bare-eyed thrush is a Turdidae thrush of the Horn of Africa and coastal East Africa, notable for its conspicuous patch of bare yellow skin around the eye. It frequents dry bush, thickets, and acacia savanna, often staying low and slipping between cover. Its mellow, fluty song carries at dawn after seasonal rains. Like many thrushes, it helps disperse seeds while also controlling insects.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Territorial during breeding, with pairs nesting in a neat cup of plant fibers placed low in a shrub or small tree. Breeding often follows seasonal rains, and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluty series of phrases and whistles, often delivered from a semi-concealed perch at dawn and dusk. Includes soft chuck notes and thin tseep calls when alarmed. Song is variable and can incorporate mimicry of nearby species.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown to olive-brown above with paler, greyish buff underparts and a lightly streaked or mottled throat. The face shows a prominent patch of bare yellow skin encircling the eye. Undertail coverts may be warmer buff; overall appearance is rather plain and earthy-toned.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of ground-dwelling insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, supplemented with spiders and other small invertebrates. Takes wild fruits and berries seasonally, switching more to fruit when available. Occasionally probes leaf litter and tosses leaves to expose prey. May glean small fruits directly from shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Forages along bushy edges, under thorn scrub, and in shady garden margins where leaf litter accumulates. Also visits fruiting shrubs and riparian thickets, especially during dry periods.
