The rufous-bellied thrush is a songbird of the thrush family (Turdidae). Its distribution covers most of eastern and southeastern Brazil from the states of Maranhão south to Rio Grande do Sul, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and central regions of Argentina.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs across much of eastern and southeastern Brazil, extending into Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and central Argentina. It inhabits forest edges, secondary woodlands, gallery forests, and scrub. The species is highly tolerant of human-altered landscapes and is common in parks, gardens, and urban green spaces. It forages mainly on or near the ground in leaf litter and open lawns.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Famed for its rich, flute-like song, the rufous-bellied thrush is celebrated as the national bird of Brazil. It adapts well to cities and gardens, often nesting close to people while still relying on natural foods. Its melodious dawn chorus is especially prominent in the austral spring. The species plays an important role in seed dispersal across the Atlantic Forest and adjacent habitats.
Temperament
generally confiding in urban areas but wary in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during breeding when it is territorial. Builds a neat cup nest in trees, shrubs, or human structures; 2–3 eggs are typical. Both parents feed the nestlings, and multiple broods may occur in a season. Outside breeding, loose aggregations can form where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mellow, fluting series of clear, variable phrases delivered at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft tchik notes and harsher alarm sounds. The song is resonant and far-carrying, often delivered from exposed perches.
Plumage
Upperparts are olive-brown to gray-brown with a slightly grayer head and nape; underparts are a rich rufous to orange-rufous from the breast to the belly. Throat is paler with faint streaking. Feathers are smooth and unbarred, giving a clean contrast between the darker back and warm underparts.
Diet
Eats a mix of fruits and invertebrates, including berries, figs, earthworms, beetles, and other insects. Will take small snails and other soft-bodied prey from moist soil. Frequently swallows fruit whole and later disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. In urban areas it supplements its diet with ornamental fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages on lawns, paths, and leaf litter beneath trees and shrubs. Also feeds along forest edges and within gardens with dense understory. Moist, shaded spots with abundant leaf litter are favored for probing and gleaning.
