The shiny whistling thrush is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to the Barisan Mountains in Sumatra.
Region
Sumatra (Barisan Range)
Typical Environment
Occurs along fast-flowing montane streams within evergreen and mossy forest. It favors rocky gorges, boulder-strewn riverbeds, and damp forest floors with dense understory. Birds keep close to water and shaded overhangs, retreating into thickets when disturbed. It is highly localized but can be fairly common where suitable stream habitat persists.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, stream-loving thrush of the Barisan Mountains, it prefers shaded ravines and waterfalls where its clear, fluty whistles carry at dawn and dusk. It often forages by hopping across wet rocks and flipping leaves to uncover prey, and may briefly wag or flick its tail when alert. Formerly lumped with related Sundaic whistling-thrushes, it is now treated as distinct and is restricted to Sumatra’s montane forests.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, keeping to shaded stream corridors. Nests are typically placed on rock ledges, in crevices, or on structures near water, built from moss and roots. Pairs defend linear territories along streams and may use the same nesting sites across seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mellow series of fluty whistles delivered from a perch near water, often at dawn and dusk. Calls include sharp tiks and harsher chacks when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy, dark purplish-black overall with an iridescent sheen; scattered cobalt-blue spangles on the head and shoulder coverts are visible in good light. Feathers appear sleek and slightly scale-like on the mantle and wings due to sheen.
Diet
Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, snails, and earthworms. It also takes small crustaceans such as freshwater crabs and may snatch small amphibians when available. Prey is often gleaned from wet rocks, leaf litter, or shallow stream margins.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shaded mountain streams, waterfalls, and rocky gullies within dense forest. Frequently hops on boulders and along banks, probing crevices and turning leaves to uncover prey.
