La Selle Thrush
NameLa Selle Thrush
Common NameLa Selle Thrush
Scientific NameTurdus swalesi
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)37
Length (cm)24.5
Weight (g)77.5
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark sooty-brown to black head, back, and wings. The belly and flanks are a rich rufous-chestnut, contrasting sharply with the dark upperparts. The undertail coverts are white with dark streaks. The bill and eye-ring are bright orange-yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts song is described as a series of rich, fluty, varied phrases, often with pauses between notes. Calls include a sharp "chuck" or "chup" and a thin "seep".
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), specifically found in the high-altitude humid montane forests of the Massif de la Selle and Massif de la Hotte.
Identifying Featuresdark sooty-brown upperparts, rufous-chestnut belly, bright orange-yellow bill, bright orange-yellow eye-ring, white undertail coverts with dark streaks
Description
This medium-sized thrush is characterized by its dark plumage, contrasting rufous belly, and bright orange bill and eye-ring. It forages primarily on the ground in humid montane forests, often turning over leaf litter to find invertebrates.
