The white-necked thrush is a songbird found in forest and woodland in South America. The taxonomy is potentially confusing, and it sometimes includes the members of the T. assimilis group as subspecies, in which case the "combined species" is referred to as the white-throated thrush. On the contrary, it may be split into two species, the rufous-flanked thrush and the grey-flanked thrush.
Region
Amazon Basin and Atlantic Forest
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in humid lowland and foothill forests of northern and eastern South America, inhabiting primary forest, well-developed secondary growth, and shaded forest edges. It favors dense understory and thickets, especially along streams and in ravines. The species also ventures into forested parks and gardens where continuous canopy and leaf litter are present. Local elevational movements may occur, but most populations are sedentary. It avoids open habitats and heavily fragmented areas.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy forest thrush, it keeps close to dense understory and often forages on the ground by flipping leaf litter. Its clear, fluting dawn song carries far through humid forests. Taxonomy has been debated: some authorities have lumped it with the white-throated thrush, while others split it into rufous-flanked and grey-flanked forms.
White-necked thrush at its nest
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory, with direct low flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs while foraging. Builds a neat cup nest of twigs, fibers, and moss placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in caring for the young. May join mixed-species flocks loosely around fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, flute-like series of clear phrases, delivered mostly at dawn and dusk. Calls include soft tchuck notes and thin whistles used as contact and alarm sounds.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with a clean white throat and foreneck, blending into pale grayish underparts. Flanks vary from rufous to gray depending on population, with smooth, unspotted underparts. Feathers are sleek and unpatterned above, giving a plain, soft-toned appearance.
Diet
Eats a mix of fruits and invertebrates, including beetles, ants, spiders, and worms. Often flips leaves and probes the soil or moss for hidden prey. When fruiting trees are available, it feeds quietly in the lower to mid canopy, swallowing small berries whole. Occasionally takes small snails or other soft-bodied prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily on the forest floor and in dense understory near cover. Frequently visits shady edges, streamside thickets, and fruiting shrubs within intact forest. Will use semi-natural parks if continuous tree cover and leaf litter are present.
