The Sundaic island thrush, also known as the Sunda island thrush, is a species of passerine in the family Turdidae. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia. Prior to 2024, the Sundaic island thrush was considered to be eight separate subspecies of the island thrush. It has the largest distribution in the island thrush complex, ranging from northern Sumatra south to Java, with a disjunct population in northern Borneo.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Sumatra south through the Barisan Range to West and East Java, with a disjunct population in the highlands of northern Borneo. It inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forest, mossy cloud forest, and adjacent secondary growth. Birds are most often found along forest trails, ridgelines, and shaded clearings with dense undergrowth. On Borneo it is localized to major mountain massifs. It is typically scarce to fairly common where suitable elevation and habitat persist.
Altitude Range
800–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Part of the recently split island thrush complex, the Sundaic island thrush shows notable plumage variation across islands. It favors cool, mossy montane forests and often forages quietly on the ground among leaf litter. Its song is a mellow, fluting series of phrases that can carry far at dawn. Despite wide range in Sundaland, it is typically local to higher elevations.
Turdus javanicus whiteheadi, Ranu Kumbolo, eastern Java
Temperament
skulking and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small loose groups at fruiting trees. Likely monogamous, building a cup-shaped nest in low trees or dense shrubs. Both adults participate in provisioning the young. Territorial behavior is most evident during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluting song of clear, whistled phrases delivered from mid-story perches, most active at dawn. Calls include thin seep and soft tchuk notes given when disturbed. Song varies subtly among island populations.
Plumage
Generally dark brown to sooty-brown upperparts with warmer rufous to orange-buff underparts; some forms show a greyer head contrasting with the mantle. The throat may be paler with fine streaking, and the belly often richer rufous. Feathers are smooth and sleek, giving a clean, even finish. Variation among islands includes intensity of rufous tones and extent of grey on the head.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates gleaned from the leaf litter. Also consumes earthworms and small snails, especially after rain. Fruits and berries, including figs, are seasonally important and may be taken from low branches or the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shaded trails, forest edges, and clearings within montane forest, often flipping leaves and probing soft soil. Will visit fruiting shrubs at mid-story but spends much time on or near the ground under dense cover.
