The yellow-throated nightingale-thrush or Gould's nightingale-thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae native to Central America. It was first described in 1855 by the English ornithologist John Gould.
Region
Central American Highlands
Typical Environment
Found in humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and well-shaded second growth from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and into Costa Rica. It keeps close to dense understory, thickets, and bamboo, often near streams and in ravines. Birds typically forage from the forest floor to the lower midstory, favoring areas with deep leaf litter. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where continuous canopy and understory structure are lost.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Gould's nightingale-thrush, this shy understory thrush inhabits humid highland forests from southern Mexico through parts of Central America. Its clear, fluting song carries surprisingly well through dense foliage. It is sensitive to forest fragmentation and persists best where mature or well-regenerated montane forest remains. First described in 1855 by the English ornithologist John Gould.
1902 illustration
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in loose association with mixed-species flocks at lower levels. Builds a cup nest low in shrubs or small trees; both parents tend the young. Territorial during breeding with discrete, well-defended song perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, fluting series of rich whistles, often descending and delivered in deliberate phrases. Calls include thin, high tsii notes and soft contact chips from dense cover.
