The Sulawesi thrush is a species of passerine bird in the thrush family, Turdidae. It is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, where it inhabits evergreen montane forests at altitudes of 1,100–2,400 m (3,600–7,900 ft). Although it has a limited range and is not a common bird, the IUCN has assessed it as being a "least-concern species".
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi)
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen montane forests across Sulawesi, favoring dense, mossy understory and shaded ravines. It frequents forest interiors, edges, and gullies, occasionally using secondary growth adjacent to mature forest. Most records are from mid to upper montane zones where humidity is constant and leaf litter is deep. It is typically shy and keeps close to the ground or low strata, moving between tangles and bamboo thickets.
Altitude Range
1100–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This secretive thrush is endemic to Sulawesi and is the sole member of the genus Cataponera. It keeps to dense montane forest and is often heard more than seen, giving clear, whistled notes. Although local in distribution and seldom abundant, it is currently assessed as Least Concern due to its relatively broad elevational range and occurrence in several protected areas.
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes loosely associated with mixed-species flocks in the mid to upper montane forest. Likely monogamous, nesting in dense vegetation where a cup-shaped nest is concealed. Both adults are presumed to participate in care of the young, as in many thrushes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled phrases delivered from concealed perches within the mid-story. Calls include thin, high-pitched notes and soft contact chips, often betraying its presence in otherwise quiet forest.
