The Dagua thrush is a species of thrush found from Panama to north-western Ecuador. It was previously considered a subspecies of the white-throated thrush.
Region
Chocó–Darién and northwest Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Pacific slope from eastern Panama through the Chocó of Colombia to Esmeraldas and adjacent provinces in north-western Ecuador. Prefers humid lowland and foothill rainforests, along with edges, secondary growth, and partially wooded plantations. Often found near streams and along forest trails where fruiting trees are present. It adapts moderately well to disturbed forest provided some canopy and understory cover remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Dagua thrush inhabits the humid lowlands from eastern Panama through western Colombia to north-western Ecuador. It was long treated as a subspecies of the white-throated thrush but is now recognized as a separate species. A quiet understory thrush, it plays an important role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds from the fruits it eats.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly in the understory and on the forest floor. Territorial during the breeding season. Builds a cup-shaped nest of fibers and moss placed in a shrub or small tree, typically laying 2–3 eggs. Outside breeding, may loosely associate where fruiting trees attract multiple individuals.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, thrush-like series of clear whistles and short phrases, delivered mostly at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft tchuk or tchap notes when alarmed, and thin contact calls from cover.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to gray-brown with a paler whitish underbody; throat distinctly white with darker streaking and marked malar lines; flanks buffy. Feathers are smooth and sleek, typical of Turdus thrushes.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Will take earthworms and snails from leaf litter and occasionally small vertebrates. Frequently visits fruiting trees and shrubs and helps disperse seeds through defecation. Forages by hopping and turning leaf litter or by gleaning from low branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded forest understory, edges, and second growth with dense cover. Also uses semi-open plantations and gardens near forest where fruiting plants are available.
