The glossy-black thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found from northern Venezuela to northwestern Argentina. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests at high elevations.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from the northern Andes of Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador south into Peru and Bolivia, reaching northwestern Argentina. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, mature secondary growth, forest edges, and shaded ravines. Birds typically use the understory to mid-story and frequent fruiting trees and shrubs. It may venture into forest gaps and along streams but remains closely tied to dense, wet forest. Local movements can follow fruit availability and weather along elevational gradients.
Altitude Range
1200–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The glossy-black thrush is a high-Andean Turdus that favors humid montane and cloud forests. Males are strikingly uniform and glossy black, whereas females and immatures are duskier brown, which can cause confusion with other Andean thrushes. It is often heard before it is seen, delivering clear, rich phrases from mid-story perches. By consuming many montane fruits, it plays an important role in seed dispersal.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through forest; strong, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within suitable forest. Builds a cup-shaped nest of moss and fibers placed on branches or in dense vegetation. Both parents are believed to attend to the young, as is typical for Turdus thrushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, fluty whistles and mellow phrases delivered at measured pace with pauses. Calls include thin, high-pitched seep notes and softer chuck or tut contact calls. Often sings from concealed mid-canopy perches, especially at dawn.
