The pale-vented thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae.
Region
Central America and the Chocó of northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Central America into western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, favoring humid foothill and montane forests. It keeps to shaded understory, forest edges, and along ravines and streams. Often forages on or near the ground in leaf litter, but also visits fruiting trees in the midstory. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats near intact forest but avoids open areas.
Altitude Range
400–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy understory thrush of humid foothill and montane forests, it is more often heard rustling leaves than seen. The pale vent and undertail coverts are key field marks when the bird flicks its tail or flushes. It plays an important role in seed dispersal by consuming a variety of forest fruits.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in loose family groups. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build a cup-shaped nest of grass and moss in low trees or shrubs. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, fluted whistles and simple phrases, delivered at a measured pace. Calls include soft tchup notes and thin seep sounds, most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Dull brown to olive-brown above with grayish-brown underparts and distinctly paler vent and undertail coverts; throat often slightly paler with faint streaking.
Diet
Eats a mix of small fruits and berries along with insects and other invertebrates. Forages by hopping on the forest floor, flipping leaves to uncover prey. Will also glean from low branches and visit fruiting trees, aiding seed dispersal.
Preferred Environment
Dense understory of humid foothill and montane forests, especially along stream courses and forest edges. Often forages in shady leaf-littered gullies and along trails.
