Rusty-backed Thrush
NameRusty-backed Thrush
Common NameRusty-backed Thrush
Scientific NameGeokichla erythronota
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsThe head and breast are black with prominent white spots on the face, forming a broken eye-ring and malar stripe. The back, rump, and upper tail coverts are a distinctive rusty-red. The belly is white with black scaling or spotting, and the flanks are also rusty-red. The wings are dark with white bars.
Vocalization / CallTypically described as a series of clear, fluty whistles, often complex and varied. Alarm calls are sharper and more abrupt.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Sulawesi and its satellite islands in Indonesia, where it inhabits tropical moist lowland forests.
Identifying Featuresrusty-red back, black head and breast with white facial markings, white belly with black scaling, dark wings with white bars, shy forest-dwelling behavior
Description
This striking thrush is characterized by its bold black and white plumage contrasted with a rich rusty-red back and flanks. It typically forages on the forest floor, searching for invertebrates, and is often shy and elusive, preferring dense undergrowth.
