The red-tailed ant thrush, also known as the red-tailed rufous thrush, is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, including primary and mature secondary growth. The species keeps close to dense understory, vine tangles, and leaf-littered floors where it forages by hopping and flicking its tail. It also uses forest edges and riparian corridors where cover remains thick. The bird frequently follows army ant swarms to capture fleeing arthropods and benefits from naturally disturbed gaps.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-tailed ant thrush often forages on the forest floor and frequently attends army ant swarms to catch flushed insects. It is a shy, ground-oriented thrush with a distinctive rufous tail that contrasts with its otherwise brown and gray plumage. Its clear, fluted whistles carry in dense forest, especially at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats near the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, keeping to dense cover on the forest floor. It builds a cup-shaped nest low in shrubs or small trees; breeding pairs defend small territories. The species often accompanies army ant swarms, maintaining a discreet distance while feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluted whistles delivered in measured phrases, often descending slightly. Calls include soft tchack notes and thin seep contact calls, most active at dawn and late afternoon within forest interiors.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to olive-brown with a contrasting rich rufous tail; underparts grayish to buff-gray with a paler throat. Feathers appear smooth and unspotted, giving a clean, even look across the body. Tail and uppertail coverts are noticeably warmer rufous than the back.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as ants, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars, often captured as they are flushed by army ants. It also takes small snails and other invertebrates found in leaf litter. Occasional small fruit or berries may be consumed, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors, along fallen logs, paths, and dense understory thickets. It frequently attends ant swarms and works the edges of clearings and streamside tangles where prey is abundant.
