The rosy thrush-tanager or rose-breasted thrush-tanager is a species of bird in the currently monotypic genus Rhodinocichla. It was formerly assigned to the family Thraupidae and more recently viewed as being of uncertain placement; a 2015 molecular study places it closest to the Calcariidae. Found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forests.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from western and southern Mexico through Central America (including Costa Rica and Panama) to northern South America in Colombia and Venezuela. It inhabits tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, forest edges, and second growth with dense understory. The species readily uses vine tangles, bamboo thickets, riparian scrub, and heavily degraded former forest. It typically keeps close to the ground within dense vegetation and is most often detected by its distinctive song.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A skulking understory bird, the rosy thrush-tanager is famous for its loud, antiphonal duets between paired birds. Males show striking rose-pink underparts while females are warm brown and much duller, making the species strongly sexually dimorphic. It was long considered a tanager but is now placed in its own distinct lineage. It favors dense tangles and thickets, often remaining hidden while singing powerfully from cover.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over understory
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within dense cover. Pairs maintain territories and perform coordinated duets, often from concealed perches. Nest is a cup placed low in thick vegetation; clutches are small and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A powerful, melodious series of whistles and phrases delivered in antiphonal duet, with male and female alternating or overlapping. Calls include sharp chips and richer whistles used to maintain contact through dense cover.
