The red-backed thrush or rusty-backed thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. Traditionally, it included the red-and-black thrush as a subspecies. It is endemic to forests on Sulawesi and the nearby islands of Buton and Kabaena in Indonesia. It is becoming rare due to habitat destruction.
Region
Sulawesi and nearby islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and mature secondary lowland and hill forests, often in dense, shaded understory. It frequents forest floor leaf litter and quiet gullies, and occasionally ventures into selectively logged forest if cover remains. Riparian forest edges and vine tangles are also used, especially where fruiting shrubs are present. It is generally local and patchy in occurrence, reflecting localized forest quality.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the rusty-backed thrush, this species is a striking forest thrush of Sulawesi and the nearby islands of Buton and Kabaena in Indonesia. The red-and-black thrush was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species. It keeps to dense understory and is often detected by its rich, melodious song rather than seen. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is the primary threat.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory; low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly on the forest floor. Nests are neat cup structures placed low in shrubs or small trees, built from rootlets and moss. Both parents are believed to participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of clear whistles and phrases delivered from concealed perches, often at dawn. Calls include thin seeps and soft ticks when alarmed. The song carries well through dense forest.
Plumage
Boldly contrasting thrush with rich rufous to rusty mantle and back, black head and upper breast, and clean white underparts. Often shows a distinct white wing patch formed by the greater coverts and a dark tail. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a glossy look on the dark areas.
Diet
Feeds on insects and other invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and earthworms gleaned from leaf litter. Also takes small snails and occasionally small amphibians. Fruits and berries, particularly from understory shrubs and figs, form an important seasonal component of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the shaded forest floor, turning over leaves and probing soft soil. Uses vine tangles, fallen logs, and quiet stream margins for cover while feeding. Will visit fruiting trees within the understory.
