Rufous-bellied Thrush

The Rufous-bellied Thrush, or Turdus rufiventris, is a songbird of the thrush family, Turdidae. It is distinguished by its reddish-orange underparts, a feature from which its name is derived. The males can reach a length of 25 cm and weigh up to 68 grams, while females may weigh up to 78 grams. Despite the weight difference, females are not larger but rather plumper, with a slightly shorter tarsus than males.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Rufous-bellied Thrush, look for its characteristic rufous belly and underparts. The bird's overall plumage is a mix of gray and brown tones, with the vibrant orange belly standing out. The males and females are similar in appearance, though females may appear slightly rounder.

Habitat

This thrush species is commonly found in forests and urban wooded areas, demonstrating a preference for environments where trees and shrubbery provide ample cover and food sources.

Distribution

The Rufous-bellied Thrush is prevalent in east and southeast Brazil, extending its range into Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and central Argentina. It is one of the most common birds in southeastern Brazil.

Behaviour

An omnivorous bird, the Rufous-bellied Thrush is known to join mixed-species feeding flocks. It is also recognized for its competitive nature, occasionally squabbling with other species, such as the common marmoset, over food sources.

Song & Calls

The song of the Rufous-bellied Thrush is a celebrated sound in Brazil, particularly from August to November. During this period, their melodic calls can be heard throughout the afternoons and into the early morning hours.

Breeding

The breeding habits of the Rufous-bellied Thrush involve constructing open-cup nests, which can be located anywhere from the forest floor to high in the trees. The female incubates the eggs, typically two to three in number, for about 12-13 days. Both parents tend to the nestlings, which fledge approximately two weeks after hatching.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Rufous-bellied Thrush primarily consists of fruits and arthropods. Its feeding behavior adapts to the availability of food sources, which can lead to interspecies interactions, particularly in mixed-species flocks.

Conservation status

The Rufous-bellied Thrush is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its population levels.