Crossley's ground thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.
Region
West and Central Africa (Guineo-Congolian forests)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland to foothill evergreen rainforest and mature secondary forest, typically where leaf litter is deep and understory is dense. It frequents shaded gullies, stream margins, and vine tangles, often near forest edges within large tracts of intact habitat. Birds are usually encountered singly or in pairs, walking and pausing on the forest floor. It tolerates some forest disturbance but relies on substantial canopy cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive forest thrush spends most of its time on the dim rainforest floor, where it forages by flicking aside leaves with its bill. It is more often heard than seen, delivering clear, fluty phrases from low perches. Formerly placed in the genus Zoothera, it is now widely treated as Geokichla based on morphology and voice. Habitat loss from forest clearing is the primary potential threat across parts of its range.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly on the forest floor. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low, in shrubs or on banks, constructed from leaves, roots, and moss. Breeding timing varies locally with rains, and pairs defend small territories within larger tracts of forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, mellow whistles and fluty phrases with brief pauses, often delivered from a low concealed perch. Calls include thin tseep notes and soft chucks when alarmed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with contrasting whitish underparts heavily marked with dark spots and chevrons; face shows buffy to rufous tones with fine dark mottling. Throat pale with variable streaking, and flanks may show a buff wash. Tail and wings are plain brown with subtle edging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects, spiders, and other leaf-litter arthropods, along with earthworms and small snails. It also takes fallen berries and small fruits opportunistically. Foraging involves deliberate walking and flicking leaves to expose prey, followed by quick pounces.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors with abundant leaf litter and minimal undergrowth obstruction. Often near streams, buttress roots, and fallen logs that hold moisture and invertebrates.
