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.
