The black-hooded thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is mainly found in Venezuela and in certain parts of Colombia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Northern Andes and Venezuelan Coastal Range
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in Venezuela and adjacent northern Colombia, from humid montane forests to edges, clearings, and older secondary growth. It is regularly found in subtropical and tropical moist montane forest and high-altitude shrubland, and it can use heavily degraded former forest. The species favors dense understory and fruiting shrubs, often along ravines and forest margins. It also forages in shade-coffee plantations and hedgerows near native forest.
Altitude Range
800–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the black-hooded thrush, it belongs to the true thrush family Turdidae and was formerly placed in the genus Platycichla. Males show a distinctive black hood that contrasts with olive upperparts, while females are browner and less contrasting. It plays an important role as a seed disperser in montane forests and often persists in lightly disturbed habitats and shaded plantations.
Temperament
shy and furtive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, staying low to mid-level in dense cover. Builds a neat cup nest in shrubs or small trees, where 2–3 eggs are laid. Both parents typically participate in feeding the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mellow series of fluted, whistled phrases with clear, musical notes and occasional pauses. Calls include soft tchup and thin seee contact notes, often given from concealed perches at dawn and dusk.
