Turdus tephronotus
The Bare-eyed Thrush, `Turdus tephronotus`, is a distinctive passerine belonging to the Turdidae family, closely related to other true thrushes within the genus `Turdus`. Measuring approximately 23-24 cm (9-9.4 inches) in length and weighing around 55-70 grams (1.9-2.5 oz), this medium-sized bird is instantly recognizable by its most striking feature: a prominent, bare, bright yellow-orange orbital ring around a dark eye, contrasting sharply with its otherwise rather plain plumage. Its upperp...
Primarily inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, dry forests, and high-altitude shrubland, typically found between 500 and 2,000 meters (1,600-6,500 feet) above sea level.
Feeds primarily on a mix of invertebrates, including worms and insects, supplemented by a significant intake of fruits and berries, typically foraged from the ground or low vegetation.
This diurnal thrush is typically observed foraging alone or in pairs, exhibiting a generally shy demeanor. Its foraging strategy involves actively gleaning invertebrates, such as worms and insects, from the leaf litter on the forest floor, and also plucking various fruits and berries from shrubs ...
The Bare-eyed Thrush is endemic to East Africa, with a continuous, though somewhat fragmented, distribution primarily along the Great Rift Valley system. Its range extends from central Eritrea and highland regions of Ethiopia, south through Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and into north-central Tanzania....
Least Concern
- The Bare-eyed Thrush's most striking feature, its bright yellow-orange eye-ring, is entirely bare skin, not feathers, making it a key identification mark. - Despite its relatively plain plumage, its melodious, fluty song is considered one of the characteristic sounds of its montane forest habit...