The geomalia or Sulawesi mountain thrush is a rare member of the thrush family endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is sometimes classified as Geomalia heinrichi, in which case it is monotypic in the genus Geomalia.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane primary and mature secondary forest with dense understory and deep leaf litter. It favors mossy ridges, steep gullies, and areas near forest streams, rarely venturing into open edges. The species is highly terrestrial, moving quietly along the forest floor and hopping onto low logs or rocks. It is patchily distributed across suitable highland habitats on the island.
Altitude Range
1000–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Sulawesi mountain thrush, this elusive ground-dwelling thrush is restricted to highland forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is monotypic in the genus Geomalia and has been the subject of taxonomic debate, sometimes placed in Zoothera. The species is seldom seen because it forages quietly on the forest floor in dense mossy understory. The epithet heinrichi honors the German ornithologist Gerd Heinrich.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct over the forest floor
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense montane forest. Nests are presumed to be well concealed, likely low in vegetation or on banks, as in many thrushes. Breeding biology remains poorly documented due to the species’ elusive habits.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, thrush-like series of clear fluty whistles delivered from a concealed perch, with short phrases separated by pauses. Calls include thin seep notes and soft chucking sounds when disturbed.
Plumage
Mostly plain dark brown upperparts with a slightly warmer brown tail; underparts buffy to brownish with subtle dusky scaling on the breast and flanks and a slightly paler throat.
Diet
Forages in leaf litter for insects, beetles, ants, caterpillars, and other invertebrates, and will take earthworms and small snails. It supplements this with small fruits and berries when available. Prey is gleaned by probing and flicking aside leaves with the bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the shaded forest floor in dense understory, along trails, stream edges, and among fallen logs and roots. Often selects microhabitats with deep leaf litter and moist soil.
