Turdus serranus
The Glossy-black Thrush (*Turdus serranus*) is a strikingly handsome passerine found exclusively in the Andean highlands, instantly recognizable by its rich, iridescent black plumage that truly lives up to its name. Males boast a deep, uniform glossy black body contrasting vividly with a bright yellow-orange bill, matching legs, and a prominent yellow-orange orbital ring around its dark eye. Females are similarly colored but often a duller, less iridescent black or brownish-black, with a slig...
This species primarily inhabits humid montane forests, cloud forests, and temperate forests of the Andes, typically at elevations between 1,500 and 3,500 meters, sometimes frequenting forest edges and even high-altitude gardens.
Its diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of earthworms, insects (such as beetles and larvae), and other invertebrates gleaned from the forest floor, supplemented significantly by various berries and small fruits.
The Glossy-black Thrush is largely diurnal, often observed foraging actively during the early morning and late afternoon, though its song can be heard throughout the day. It typically forages on the ground, probing through leaf litter and soft soil for invertebrates, but also ascends to the mid-c...
The Glossy-black Thrush is widely distributed across the northern and central Andes of South America. Its breeding range extends from Venezuela, specifically in the coastal cordilleras and Andean regions, south through the central and eastern Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, reachin...
Least Concern
- The Glossy-black Thrush's iridescent black plumage can appear deep blue or purple in certain lighting conditions, adding to its striking beauty. - Its bright yellow-orange bill and legs become even more vibrant during the breeding season, signaling readiness for courtship. - Despite its wide di...