Hauxwell's thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland tropical moist forests across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors terra firme and seasonally flooded várzea forests, as well as forest edges and secondary growth. The species typically keeps to shaded understory and midstory strata, venturing into clearings when fruiting trees are present. It is generally non-migratory within its range, with local movements tracking fruit availability.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often called an Amazonian thrush, it is a quiet, forest-dwelling Turdus that is easily overlooked due to its plain plumage and shy habits. It is frequently confused with similar brown thrushes but can be separated by its subtly streaked throat and voice. As an avid fruit-eater, it helps disperse seeds and plays an important role in Amazonian forest regeneration.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly on or near the forest floor. Builds a neat cup-shaped nest low to mid-level in vegetation, using twigs, roots, and moss. Both parents typically attend the young, and adults defend small nesting territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, mellow series of whistles and fluty phrases typical of Turdus thrushes, delivered from low to mid-canopy perches. Calls include quiet tchuck notes and thin seep contact calls, often given from cover.
Plumage
Dull olive-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a lightly streaked or mottled throat. Breast may show fine dusky streaks fading to a cleaner belly. Overall appearance is plain, with smooth-feathered upperparts and subtle contrast.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Frequently gleans from leaf litter and low foliage, and may sally a short distance to pick fruit. Opportunistically takes fallen fruit and supplements with beetles, ants, and caterpillars when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory, along trails, forest edges, and near fruiting trees. Will also use light gaps and secondary growth where fruit resources are abundant.
