The white-eyed thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae that is endemic to Jamaica. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to Jamaica, the white-eyed thrush occupies moist lowland and montane forests, as well as forest edges and thickets. It readily uses secondary growth, plantations, and gardens with dense shrub layers. Birds often forage on or near the ground in leaf litter but also ascend to feed at fruiting trees. It persists in heavily degraded former forest and along riparian corridors, provided there is sufficient cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This thrush is endemic to Jamaica and is easily recognized by its striking white iris, which seems to glow in the dim forest understory. It adapts well to secondary and degraded habitats, often visiting coffee shade and fruiting trees. By feeding on a wide variety of native fruits, it plays an important role in seed dispersal across Jamaican forests.
Temperament
shy and wary near dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, becoming more territorial during the breeding season. Builds a cup nest in dense shrubs or low trees, often concealed among vines or foliage. Both adults participate in feeding nestlings, and family groups may remain loosely associated after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of fluted phrases delivered at dawn and dusk, with clear whistles and slurred notes. Calls include soft tchuk or tsip sounds given from cover when alarmed.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a slightly grayer head and nape; underparts grayish to buff with lighter throat and faint streaking. Underwing coverts often show warm rufous tones. Overall appearance is plain but with smooth, sleek feathering typical of Turdus thrushes.
Diet
Consumes a mix of fruits and invertebrates, including berries, small figs, and a variety of insects and spiders. Often flips leaves on the ground to uncover beetles, ants, and other prey. During peaks of fruiting, it spends more time in the midstory at fruiting trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages along shady forest floors, edges, and clearings with dense understory. Also visits coffee shade, orchards, and gardens where fruiting shrubs are present.
