Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush

The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush, a member of the Muscicapidae family, is a bird of modest size, measuring 17–18 cm in length and weighing between 22–37 grams. Both sexes present a similar plumage, characterized by a bright rufous-brown head and nape, with a slightly paler back and scapulars. The flight feathers are dark brown with rufous edges, and the underwing coverts are a pale buffish-brown. The rump and tail boast a rich rufous-brown or chestnut hue. The face and neck-sides are predominantly pale grey, with darker lores, while the chin, throat, and upper breast are a yellowish-buff. The breast and flanks are pale grey, and the belly centre is pale buff. Eye colour varies from brown to red, the beak is black, and the legs can be pale brown, pale purple, or bluish-grey. Juveniles display dark streaks on the crown and nape, and dark bars on the back, with greyish underparts mottled with dark or dusky spots.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush, look for the distinctive rufous-brown plumage on the head, nape, and tail. The pale grey face and neck-sides, along with the yellowish-buff throat and upper breast, are also key features. The bird's black beak and variable eye colour, ranging from brown to red, aid in its identification.

Habitat

This species thrives in palm-dominated environments, dry forests, and secondary forests situated in riparian and coastal areas. It can be found at elevations up to 1,200 meters and is also known to inhabit banana plantations and gardens.

Distribution

The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is distributed across several African countries, including Angola, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Namibia. Its range is estimated to cover approximately 1,700,000 square kilometres.

Song & Calls

The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush's song is a delightful series of loud, melodious whistles interspersed with babbling and chattering sounds, most frequently heard at the break of dawn or as the day fades into dusk. When startled or uneasy, it utters a distinctive 'churr' call. Pairs may engage in duets.

Breeding

Breeding season for this species spans from August to April. The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is monogamous, constructing its nest at the base of a palm leaf, within a tree trunk crevice, or occasionally in alternative locations. The nest is a deep, robust cup fashioned from mud and lined with grass and plant fibers. Clutches typically contain one to four pale greenish eggs, speckled with faint freckles. The species is not migratory.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush includes adult and larval beetles, spiders, and various fruits. It forages on the ground for its food.

Conservation Status

The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The exact population size is unknown, but the species benefits from a large range and appears to have a stable population trend without facing significant threats.