Catharus mexicanus
The Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush (*Catharus mexicanus*) is a captivating songbird of Central American montane forests, renowned for its exquisite vocalizations. This medium-sized thrush measures approximately 16.5-18 cm (6.5-7 inches) in length and typically weighs between 28-40 grams. Its striking appearance features a glossy black head that sharply contrasts with an olive-brown back, rufous rump, and chestnut tail, fading to grey on the flanks and white on the belly. A bright orange bill...
Found primarily in humid montane evergreen forests, cloud forests, and dense secondary growth, often at elevations between 600 and 2500 meters.
Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates found in the leaf litter, such as beetles, ants, and larvae, supplemented with small fruits and berries; foraging primarily by gleaning on the forest floor.
The Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush is a secretive and often solitary species, typically active during daylight hours, foraging mainly on the forest floor. It employs a terrestrial gleaning strategy, hopping quietly through leaf litter and dense undergrowth to uncover invertebrates. During the br...
The Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush is a resident species distributed throughout humid montane forests of eastern and southern Mexico and Central America. Its range extends from eastern San Luis Potosà and southern Tamaulipas south through Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas in Mexico. From there, it c...
Least Concern
- The Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush is considered one of the finest avian singers in its Neotropical range, often compared to the famed Old World nightingales. - Its complex, flute-like song can be heard from a distance, often described as ethereal, melancholic, and hauntingly beautiful. - Desp...