The spot-winged thrush,, is an Asian thrush, a group within the large thrush family Turdidae. It is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka.
Region
Sri Lanka (Wet Zone and Central Highlands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and well-structured secondary lowland and montane rainforests of southwestern and central Sri Lanka. It keeps to dense understory, shady gullies, and stream margins where leaf litter is deep. The species forages mainly on the forest floor but also uses low perches when singing. It is largely absent from heavily degraded or open habitats and is most frequent in protected forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spot-winged thrush is a shy, ground-foraging thrush endemic to Sri Lanka’s wet-zone forests. Its name comes from the distinct pale spots on the wing coverts, which are often flashed during brief, low flights through dense understory. It is more often heard than seen, delivering rich, fluty songs at dawn and dusk. As a forest-floor specialist, it is sensitive to habitat disturbance and fragmentation.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. During the breeding season it builds a neat cup nest of moss, leaves, and roots placed low in a shrub or on a bank. Both parents participate in feeding the young, and adults spend much of the day quietly foraging in leaf litter.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of clear whistles and mellow phrases, often delivered from a concealed perch at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft ticks and thin seep notes when alarmed.
