The Várzea thrush is a resident breeding bird in the western Amazon. It is a cryptic species identified through molecular analysis of museum specimens. It was formerly considered conspecific with Hauxwell's thrush.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in seasonally flooded white-water floodplains (várzea) and river islands along major rivers of the western Amazon in Peru, western Brazil, and northern Bolivia. It favors lowland floodplain forest, early successional stands with Cecropia, and shrubby river-edge thickets. During high-water periods it keeps to flooded understory and edges; in low water it forages on newly exposed substrates. It is uncommon away from riverine floodplains and generally absent from terra firme forest.
Altitude Range
0–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Várzea thrush was recognized as a distinct, cryptic species through molecular analysis of museum specimens and differences in vocalizations. It inhabits seasonally flooded white-water forests (várzea) in the western Amazon. Formerly treated as conspecific with Hauxwell’s thrush, it is best told by habitat and song rather than plumage.
Temperament
shy and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, keeping low in dense riverside thickets. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees within floodplain forest. Breeding coincides with regional hydrological cycles and fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mellow, fluty series of clear phrases with measured pauses, often delivered at dawn from a concealed perch. Calls include soft chuck and seep notes; the overall voice differs subtly from Hauxwell’s thrush and is a key field cue.
Plumage
Plain, soft-textured plumage with olive-brown to brown upperparts and slightly paler, buff-washed underparts. Throat lightly streaked or mottled with dusky, blending into a faintly paler belly center. Overall very similar to Hauxwell’s thrush, with subtle warmer tones in suitable light. Feathers lack bold spots or bars, giving a uniformly modest appearance.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of small invertebrates (insects, spiders) and fruits from floodplain trees and shrubs such as Cecropia and other pioneer species. Forages by hopping on the ground or low branches, gleaning from leaf litter and foliage. Will take small snails and occasionally other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Most active along edges of várzea forest, shrubby river margins, and river islands with dense undergrowth. During low water it exploits exposed sediments and leaf-litter patches; during high water it forages in inundated understory and floating or emergent vegetation.
