The collared palm thrush is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savannah and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
Region
East and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Found from southern Tanzania and Malawi through Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, with pockets in adjacent regions. It favors dry savanna, miombo edges, riverine thickets, and especially areas with mature Borassus and Hyphaene palms. Birds readily occur in villages, parks, and lodge gardens where palms are planted. They usually keep close to cover but will forage openly on the ground and around palm bases.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The collared palm thrush is closely associated with palm groves and often occupies hotel gardens and riverine thickets where palms are plentiful. Its name comes from the striking dark half-collar that frames a clean white throat. Pairs are territorial and may duet, delivering rich, melodious phrases from prominent perches. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes provided mature palms and dense cover are present.
Temperament
territorial and somewhat skulking, but confiding near human habitation
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs that defend small territories year-round. Nests are cup-shaped and often placed in the crowns of palms or in sheltered ledges and building niches. Both sexes participate in nest defense and may duet near the nest site. Breeding tends to coincide with the wet season when insect prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of whistles and fluty phrases, often varied and repeated. Songs are delivered from exposed perches in palms or trees, with soft chatter between phrases. Pairs may engage in responsive duetting.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown upperparts with a greyish head and pale buff underparts. Clean white throat sharply bordered by a dark malar/lateral neck band forming a distinct half-collar. Tail and wings show rich rufous tones; feathering is smooth and unspotted. Overall appearance is sleek with neat contrast around the throat.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars, gleaned from ground litter, palm fronds, and low shrubs. It probes crevices around palm bases and may sally short distances to snap flying insects. Occasional small fruits and other invertebrates are also consumed.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and low vegetation beneath palms, along thicket edges, and in shaded garden beds. Often searches around fallen fronds and debris where insects accumulate, especially near watercourses and in cultivated areas with palms.
