The spectacled thrush, bare-eyed thrush, or yellow-eyed thrush, is a resident breeding bird in the Lesser Antilles and in South America from Colombia and Venezuela south and east to northern Brazil. In Trinidad and Tobago, this thrush is also known as big-eye grieve.
Region
Lesser Antilles and northern South America
Typical Environment
Found from the Lesser Antilles south through coastal Colombia and Venezuela to northern Brazil, including Trinidad and Tobago. It favors forest edges, secondary growth, gardens, and plantations, often near fruiting trees and shrubs. The species also uses gallery forests and wooded savannas. It is common in suburban areas where cover and fruit sources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The spectacled thrush is easily recognized by its bright yellow bare skin around the eye, giving it a 'spectacled' look. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes, frequenting gardens, orchards, and forest edges. Its mellow, fluty song is delivered from exposed perches, especially at dawn.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, defending territories during the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or small trees, with both parents involved in care. Outside breeding, it may join loose assemblages at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rich, fluty series of clear whistles and phrases, often repeated with slight variations. Calls include sharp chaks and softer churring notes, given from low to mid-level perches.
Plumage
Mostly plain olive-brown to brownish-olive above with paler gray-brown underparts and a lightly streaked or mottled throat.
Diet
Consumes a mix of fruits, berries, and small invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and occasional snails. It forages by hopping on the ground and gleaning from low branches. Fruit forms a substantial part of the diet, especially during non-breeding periods, while animal prey increases during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in gardens, orchards, and secondary woodland where fruiting plants are abundant. Often visits fruiting trees and shrubs and will probe leaf litter in shaded understory.
