Collared Palm Thrush

The Collared palm thrush, a member of the Muscicapidae family, is a bird that captures the eye with its distinctive appearance. It sports a grey head and a pale eye, contrasted by a vivid rufous back. A notable black mark encircles its throat, setting it apart from other species.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Collared palm thrush, look for its unique black throat collar, which is a key distinguishing feature. Its grey head, pale eye, and rufous back are also characteristic identifiers. Unlike the Spotted Morning-Thrush, it lacks any spotting below.

Habitat

This species thrives in the thickets of palm savannas, where it can be found amidst dry savannah and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland environments.

Distribution

The Collared palm thrush has a broad range across the African continent, with sightings in Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

The Collared palm thrush is known for its enchanting song, which permeates the air of its palm savanna home. It sings a series of airy, wailing notes, interspersed with chattering and rasping calls.

Song & Calls

Its song is a delightful symphony of airy, wailing notes, complemented by a variety of chattering and rasping calls that add texture to its vocal repertoire.

Similar Species

While it may be mistaken for the Spotted Morning-Thrush due to some resemblance, the Collared palm thrush can be differentiated by its pale eye, bright rufous back, and the absence of spots below. Its black throat markings also distinguish it from nightingales and scrub-robins.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Collared palm thrush as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.