The spotted palm thrush, also known as the spotted morning-thrush, is a species of bird in the Muscicapidae family. They are small birds mostly consisting of the colors brown, black, and cream. They can be found in eastern African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savanna, and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland. This bird is a forager that has a diet consisting of invertebrates. These birds create a variety of different vocal duets as a form of communication.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Eritrea and Ethiopia south through Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It inhabits dry savanna, thorn scrub, coastal and riparian thickets, and well-vegetated gardens, especially where palms are present. Often found along edges and in semi-open bush with scattered trees. Tolerant of human-modified habitats if dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the spotted morning-thrush, this species is well known for its rich, antiphonal duets sung by pairs at dawn and dusk. It favors areas with palms and dense shrubbery, often near human habitation such as gardens and lodges. When excited, it flicks its tail and droops its wings while giving sharp chack notes. Nests are usually cup-shaped and tucked into palm axils or dense thickets.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding territories year-round. Pairs perform coordinated duets and engage in tail-flicking displays. The cup nest is placed in palm crowns or dense shrubbery; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, musical whistles delivered in alternating phrases by the pair, creating a seamless duet. Also gives sharp chack and soft contact notes from cover.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with slightly paler rump, creamy underparts heavily marked with bold blackish spots and streaks, and a clean whitish throat. Subtle pale eyebrow and darker lores; wings plain brown with fringing. Tail brown with a slightly warmer tone.
Diet
Primarily takes invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. Forages by gleaning from leaf litter and low foliage, often turning debris with the bill. Will opportunistically hawk for flying termites and may take small fruits or berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and in low shrubs within dry bush, palm groves, and thickets. Frequently works along edges, paths, and garden beds where cover is close at hand.
