The slaty-backed nightingale-thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
Region
Central America and the Northern to Central Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs from Costa Rica and western Panama south through the Andean slopes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and into Bolivia. It inhabits humid montane and cloud forests, favoring dense understory, mossy ravines, and forest edges. Often associated with bamboo thickets and shaded stream corridors. It is typically more common in intact forest but can persist in well-wooded secondary growth.
Altitude Range
900–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-foraging thrush of cloud forests, the slaty-backed nightingale-thrush is often detected by its clear, fluted whistles rather than seen. It favors dense understory and bamboo tangles where it moves in short, low flights. Like many Catharus thrushes, it supplements an insect diet with small fruits, playing a role in seed dispersal.
Temperament
skulking and shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense understory; maintains territories during the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs, banks, or ferns. Clutches are small, and both adults attend the nest and young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, fluted whistles and thin, ethereal phrases that carry through the forest. Calls include soft, nasal notes and thin tseep or weet sounds, often given from concealed perches.
