The white-tailed ant thrush, also known as the white-tailed rufous thrush, is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is widespread across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs from Upper Guinea forests of West Africa east through southern Nigeria and Cameroon into the Congo Basin, including Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with populations into western parts of Uganda. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest with dense understory. Often near forest streams, vine tangles, and thickets, it keeps to shaded, quiet interior forest. It tolerates some secondary growth but avoids heavily degraded or open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the white-tailed rufous thrush, this shy, ground-oriented thrush lives in the dim understory of African rainforests. It often flicks and fans its tail, revealing white outer tail feathers that flash in flight or when alarmed. It primarily forages in leaf litter, sometimes attending army-ant swarms to catch flushed insects. Habitat loss from forest clearing is its main concern, though it remains widespread.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through the understory
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, maintaining territories within dense forest. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in care, and birds spend much time quietly foraging on or near the forest floor.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluty series of whistles typical of thrushes, delivered from concealed perches. Calls include soft tsip notes and sharper alarm chips, with increased tail-flicking when agitated.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown overall with slightly paler underparts and a plain face; tail shows conspicuous white on the outer feathers, especially visible in flight or tail-fanning.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates such as ants, beetles, termites, spiders, and small snails. Forages by gleaning and flipping leaf litter, making short dashes to seize prey. Occasionally takes small fruits and berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Sometimes attends army-ant swarms to capture flushed arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Dense, shaded forest floor and low understory, often along streams, ravines, and vine tangles. Uses quiet, undisturbed interior forest more than edges, though it will forage in mature secondary growth.
