The Enggano thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to rainforests on Enggano Island off Sumatra in Indonesia. It has traditionally been considered a subspecies of the chestnut-capped thrush.
Region
Sundaic Islands (Enggano)
Typical Environment
Confined to primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest on Enggano Island. It keeps to the shaded forest floor and dense understory, using leaf litter for cover while foraging. Occasional use of edges and lightly logged forest is reported, but intact forest is preferred. It avoids open areas and plantations where ground cover is sparse.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Enggano thrush is a shy, ground-dwelling thrush restricted to Enggano Island off southwest Sumatra. It was long treated as a subspecies of the chestnut-capped thrush but is now commonly recognized as a distinct species based on plumage and range isolation. It favors dense, undisturbed rainforest and is highly susceptible to habitat loss. Its presence often goes undetected because it forages quietly in leaf litter and sings most at dawn.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through the understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to dense cover. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low, in shrubs or small saplings, built from leaves and rootlets. Breeding behavior is poorly documented but likely follows other ground-thrushes with biparental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, fluting series of clear whistles delivered from a concealed perch at dawn and dusk. Calls include thin seep notes and short, sharp ticks when alarmed.
Plumage
A compact ground-thrush with a rich chestnut crown, darker face and mantle, and clean whitish underparts with fine dusky mottling on the breast and flanks. The wings show contrasting dark coverts with a pale or whitish panel, and the throat/face bear pale patches that stand out in low light. Feathers are sleek and smooth, aiding in quiet movement through understory.
Diet
Forages mainly for insects, beetles, ants, and other arthropods gleaned and flicked from leaf litter. Also takes earthworms and small snails when available. Supplements diet with fallen berries and small forest fruits, especially in fruiting seasons.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor under dense understory and among buttress roots. Often works along quiet trails, logs, and leaf piles where invertebrates concentrate.
