The pale-breasted thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae.
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from northern and central South America into eastern and southeastern Brazil, extending into Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina, with pockets in the Guianas and Venezuela. It favors forest edges, secondary woodland, gallery forest, cerrado with trees, and urban parks and gardens. Readily colonizes disturbed areas and suburban neighborhoods where fruiting trees and shrubs are present. Often near watercourses and riparian thickets. Generally a lowland to foothill species but can reach montane foothills where habitat is suitable.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A common garden and parkland thrush across much of tropical and subtropical South America, the pale-breasted thrush is known for its mellow, fluted dawn song. It plays an important role in seed dispersal by consuming a wide variety of native fruits. It is often confounded with the rufous-bellied thrush but shows paler, buffy underparts. Adaptable and tolerant of human-altered habitats, it thrives in cities as well as forest edges.
A nest with eggs in a residential garden in Domburg, Suriname
Temperament
alert and adaptable
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a cup-shaped nest of grasses and fibers placed in trees, shrubs, or building ledges. Territorial around nest sites but tolerant of conspecifics at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluty phrases delivered at dawn and dusk, with clear whistles and mellow, descending notes. Calls include soft chuck and tut notes given from cover or during brief flights.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a pale buff to grayish breast and belly; throat lightly streaked. Underparts appear clean and evenly pale compared to most similar thrushes. Feathers are smooth with slight gloss on the mantle; flight feathers darker brown.
Diet
Omnivorous, taking small fruits and berries, insects, spiders, and earthworms. Forages by hopping on the ground, flipping leaf litter, and gleaning from low branches. Frequently visits fruiting shrubs and trees in gardens and forest edges. May occasionally take small snails or other invertebrates when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in leaf litter of woodland edges, shaded lawns, and along hedgerows and riparian thickets. Readily exploits urban greenspaces, orchards, and parks with fruiting plants.
