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Red-and-black thrush

Red-and-black thrush

Wikipedia

The red-and-black thrush, also known as the Peleng thrush, is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is endemic to forests on the Indonesian islands of Taliabu and Peleng, where threatened by habitat loss. Traditionally, it has been considered a subspecies of the red-backed thrush.

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Distribution

Region

Sula and Banggai Islands, Indonesia

Typical Environment

Occurs in primary and mature secondary evergreen forest, favoring dense understory and shaded gullies. It keeps close to the forest floor, where it probes leaf litter for invertebrates and fallen fruit. The species tolerates lightly logged forest but is sensitive to extensive clearing and fragmentation. It is most frequently encountered in less-disturbed interior forest and along quiet forest trails.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size21–23 cm
Wing Span32–36 cm
Male Weight0.08 kg
Female Weight0.075 kg
Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Peleng thrush, this species was long treated as a subspecies of the red-backed thrush but is now recognized as distinct. It skulkily forages in leaf litter on Taliabu and Peleng, where ongoing forest loss threatens its small, localized populations. Its striking rufous back contrasts sharply with otherwise dark plumage, making brief views unforgettable.

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats between low perches

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping low in dense understory. Forages quietly on the forest floor, flicking leaf litter aside with the bill. Nests are placed low to mid-level in dense vegetation during the breeding season.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A rich, fluty series of mellow whistles and short phrases, often delivered at dawn from a concealed perch. Calls include soft tchik notes and thin seep contact calls.

Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-brown
Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Bold contrast of rufous-red back and mantle with glossy black head, wings, and tail; underparts mostly dark with limited pale areas and fine mottling.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds on beetles, ants, caterpillars, earthworms, and small snails gleaned from leaf litter. Also takes berries and small fallen fruits, especially when invertebrate prey is scarce. May occasionally hawk low for insects disturbed from the ground.

Preferred Environment

Forages on shaded forest floors, along quiet trails, and in damp gullies with deep leaf litter. Prefers intact understory where it can move and feed under cover.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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