Oberländer's ground thrush, also known as the forest ground-thrush, is a species of bird in the thrush family, Turdidae. It is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Region
Albertine Rift, Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and western Uganda, mainly within the Albertine Rift. Prefers undisturbed lowland to foothill and montane evergreen forest with dense understory and deep leaf litter. Typically stays close to shaded stream gullies and quiet forest interiors. It tolerates little habitat degradation and is scarce in secondary growth.
Altitude Range
700–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the forest ground-thrush, this elusive bird forages quietly on the forest floor of the Albertine Rift. It is highly sensitive to forest disturbance and fragmentation, which has led to a worrying decline. Its striking black-and-white facial pattern and boldly scaled underparts help distinguish it from other ground-thrushes. Conservation efforts focus on protecting intact primary forest in its limited range.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping low and moving quietly through leaf litter. Nests are placed on the ground or low in dense vegetation, with breeding aligned to the rainy season. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care. Territorial behavior is strongest during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, fluted series of clear, high whistles delivered from a concealed perch within dense forest. Calls include thin, high tsip notes and subdued contact calls, often heard at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Upperparts warm rufous-brown with a contrastingly patterned head; underparts white to buffy with bold black scaling or chevrons across the breast and flanks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as insects, spiders, earthworms, and small snails picked from leaf litter. Will also take small fruits and berries when available, especially in the wet season. Foraging involves deliberate hops and pauses while flipping leaves to expose prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors with deep leaf litter, often near streams and in ravines. Avoids open edges and disturbed secondary growth, remaining under dense cover.
