The Mindoro island thrush, is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to Mindoro in the Philippines. Its habitat is tropical moist montane forest above 1,200 meters above sea level. Prior to 2024, it was considered a subspecies of Island thrush.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mindoro, where it inhabits tropical moist montane and mossy forests, typically above 1,200 m. It favors dense understory, forest edges, ridgelines, and ravines, and will use adjacent secondary growth if near intact forest. Birds often forage on the forest floor among leaf litter but also move into lower shrub layers. It is sensitive to extensive logging and fragmentation, relying on relatively cool, humid high-elevation habitats.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This highland thrush is restricted to the montane forests of Mindoro in the Philippines and was only recently elevated from the Island Thrush complex. It is a shy, ground-oriented forager that benefits forest health by dispersing seeds and controlling leaf-litter invertebrates. Its narrow elevational range makes it sensitive to habitat loss and disturbance.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees; both parents likely participate in feeding the young, as in related Turdus species. Territorial during breeding, with increased ground activity when provisioning nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluty series of clear whistles delivered at dawn and dusk, interspersed with pauses. Also gives sharp, metallic ticks or chacks as alarm or contact notes from dense cover.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to dark brown upperparts with paler brown underparts; throat often slightly paler with fine, diffuse streaking. Some birds show a faint rufous wash on the flanks and vent. Overall appearance is plain, with smooth, satiny feathering typical of Turdus thrushes.
Diet
Takes a mix of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and earthworms, complemented by small fruits and berries. Forages by leaf-litter gleaning and short dashes to seize prey. Will swallow small fruits whole and later disperse seeds. Opportunistically feeds on seasonally abundant arthropods after rains.
Preferred Environment
Primarily on the forest floor and lower understory of mossy montane forest, especially along trails, fallen logs, and openings where leaf litter accumulates. Also visits fruiting shrubs and small trees along forest edges and gaps.
