The black-breasted thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found from north-eastern India to northern Vietnam. Although both male and female birds have the same colour on their lower parts, the upper section of males is mostly black in colour, while females are mostly grey-brown. Thus, the bird's common name refers to the colour of the male bird's breast. They tend to live in forests located at high altitude.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern India and Myanmar through southern China (including Yunnan and Guangxi) to northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It favors moist montane evergreen and broadleaf forests with dense undergrowth, often near streams and in bamboo thickets. Birds are typically encountered in shaded interior forest and along quiet trails and clearings. During the non-breeding season, some populations move to slightly lower elevations and into secondary growth or forest edge. It is generally unobtrusive, keeping close to cover while foraging on the ground.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-breasted thrush is a forest thrush of the eastern Himalayas and northern Indochina, with males showing a striking black hood and breast. It forages quietly on the forest floor, often turning leaf litter to find insects and other small prey. Females are much browner and subtler in appearance, aiding camouflage in dense undergrowth. In some areas it makes seasonal altitudinal movements, descending to lower elevations in the non-breeding season.
From Khonoma village, Nagaland, India.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging, becoming more territorial in the breeding season. Nests are neat cup-shaped structures placed low in shrubs or small trees. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in feeding the young. Outside the breeding season it may associate loosely with mixed-species flocks in the understory.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male delivers a rich, fluty, and melodious song from a concealed perch, often at dawn. Calls include soft tchik notes and thin seep contact calls given while moving through dense cover.
