The speckled nightingale-thrush or Sclater's nightingale-thrush is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae native to South America.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Inhabits humid montane and cloud forests along the northern and central Andes, from Colombia south through Ecuador and Peru into Bolivia. Prefers dense, mossy understory, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and gullies near streams. It tolerates mature secondary growth if sufficient cover is present. Typically remains in shaded, cool microhabitats with abundant leaf litter for foraging.
Altitude Range
1200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Sclater's nightingale-thrush, this species belongs to the Catharus group famous for their clear, flute-like songs. It is a shy understory bird of Andean cloud forests, often heard before it is seen. Birds in this complex were historically lumped with the Spotted Nightingale-Thrush but are now treated as a separate species. It forages quietly on the forest floor, flicking leaves to uncover prey and taking berries when available.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, maintaining small territories within dense forest undergrowth. Breeding pairs build a neat cup nest low in shrubs or banks and both adults provision the young. Outside the breeding season it may accompany mixed-species flocks at lower strata but generally remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, fluty series of mellow whistles, often delivered in measured phrases that carry through the forest. Calls include thin, high ‘tsip’ notes and soft contact calls from cover.
