The clay-colored thrush is a common Middle American bird of the thrush family (Turdidae). It is the national bird of Costa Rica, where it is well known as the yigüirro. Other common names include clay-colored robin.
Region
Middle America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and southern Mexico through much of Central America to western Panama. It thrives in semi-open habitats including forest edges, secondary growth, coffee and fruit plantations, gardens, and urban parks. The species is highly tolerant of human-altered landscapes and is often seen foraging on lawns. It nests readily in shrubs and small trees near human habitation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The clay-colored thrush is the national bird of Costa Rica, where it is called the yigüirro and its mellow song is associated with the onset of the rainy season. Formerly known as the clay-colored robin, it adapts well to gardens and urban areas and is among the most familiar birds in Middle America.
Santo Domingo, Costa Rica
Temperament
confiding and adaptable
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Outside breeding, it may gather loosely around fruiting trees or productive feeding sites. Builds a cup-shaped nest in shrubs or small trees; the female incubates while both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty, and mellow phrases delivered in deliberate sequences, often from a prominent perch. The song is persistent at dawn and during cloudy or rainy periods and is widely associated with the start of the wet season in parts of its range.
Plumage
Uniform, plain brown to grayish-brown with slightly paler underparts and minimal streaking; smooth, unpatterned appearance.
Diet
Takes a wide variety of invertebrates including insects, spiders, and earthworms, especially from the ground and leaf litter. Also consumes many fruits and berries, visiting fruiting trees and shrubs. Occasionally eats snails and other small prey, making its diet broadly omnivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages on lawns, along forest edges, in gardens, and in plantations where leaf litter and fruiting plants are abundant. Often seen hopping on the ground, pausing to listen and probe for prey, and then moving to low branches to take fruit.
