The Comoro thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in the Comoros Islands in the south western Indian Ocean.
Region
Western Indian Ocean (Comoros)
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested islands of the Comoros, favoring humid evergreen and montane forests as well as mature secondary growth. It is most often found in dense understory and along forest edges, but may also enter shaded plantations and agroforests. The species typically forages on the forest floor among leaf litter, moving into low shrubs when disturbed. It requires patches of native forest for nesting and feeding, making it sensitive to extensive clearing. Proximity to flowing water or moist ravines is common where suitable cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Comoros, the Comoro thrush is a forest-dwelling member of the true thrush family Turdidae. It forages mainly on the ground and plays an important role in seed dispersal for native trees. Habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion is the principal threat to its populations. It is generally shy and more often heard than seen in dense understory.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when it is strongly territorial. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in low trees or dense shrubs, built from twigs, roots, and moss. Both parents participate in feeding the young, and family groups may stay loosely together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious thrush-like song of fluty, repeated phrases delivered from concealed perches, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls include sharp 'tchik' or 'tchak' notes when alarmed and soft contact calls while foraging.
Plumage
Warm brown to olive-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and faint streaking on the throat and upper breast. Flanks can show a subtle rufous wash; underparts otherwise plain to lightly mottled. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a uniform appearance at distance.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Takes small snails and occasionally earthworms when available. Fruits and berries from native shrubs and trees form an important part of the diet, particularly outside the peak insect season. It may also consume fallen figs and other soft fruits, contributing to seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily on the forest floor in shaded, moist areas with abundant leaf litter. Frequently works along trails, ravines, and forest edges where prey is exposed, occasionally moving into low shrubs for berries. In human-modified landscapes it may use shaded plantations if dense understory persists.
