The scaly-breasted thrasher is a species of bird in the family Mimidae. It is found throughout much of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
Occurs widely through the central and southern Lesser Antilles, inhabiting mature rainforest, secondary woodland, dry scrub, coastal thickets, plantations, and wooded gardens. It favors dense understory and forest edges where it can forage in leaf litter. On some islands it is common in semi-urban green spaces. It tolerates habitat disturbance better than some forest specialists but still relies on patches of cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This Lesser Antillean mimid is named for the dark scalloping that gives its underparts a scaly look. It forages mainly on or near the ground, flipping leaf litter with its slightly decurved bill. The species often frequents forest edges and gardens and helps disperse seeds of native fruiting plants. Pairs defend territories year‑round and can be surprisingly bold around people.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs that maintain territories throughout the year. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in dense shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in feeding nestlings, and adults give sharp alarm calls when intruders approach.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of whistles and varied phrases interspersed with harsher scolds. Phrases are repeated and can be loud but not as complex as true mockingbirds. Calls include sharp chack notes given when disturbed.
Plumage
Upperparts are warm brown with a slightly darker tail; underparts are pale buff to gray heavily edged with dark crescent marks, producing a scaly appearance. Feathers are smooth and sleek, with no wing bars. Throat and belly show the most pronounced scaling.
Diet
Eats a mix of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, along with fruits and berries from native and cultivated plants. It probes leaf litter, turns leaves, and gleans from low vegetation. Occasionally takes small vertebrates and will visit fruiting trees in gardens.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs along forest edges, clearings, and dense thickets. Frequently uses secondary growth, plantations, and mixed agroforestry where fruiting plants are abundant.
