Sclerurus albigularis
A secretive denizen of the Neotropical forest floor, the Grey-throated Leaftosser (*Sclerurus albigularis*) is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length and weighing 25-35 grams. Its plumage is largely dusky olive-brown to dark rufous-brown, starkly contrasted by a prominent pale grey throat and upper breast, which gives the species its common name and serves as a key field mark. Rufous flanks and rump provide further distinctive features. Classified within...
Primarily inhabits humid evergreen and montane rainforests, cloud forests, and dense secondary growth with ample leaf litter, typically at elevations between 500 and 2,000 meters, though varying regionally.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, and their larvae, which it unearths by its specialized leaftossing and probing technique.
The Grey-throated Leaftosser is a solitary and remarkably terrestrial bird, spending almost all its active, diurnal hours foraging on the forest floor. Its unique foraging technique involves vigorously tossing aside leaf litter with its bill and feet, then rapidly probing the exposed soil and det...
The Grey-throated Leaftosser is a resident species with a broad distribution across Central and South America. Its range extends from Costa Rica and Panama south through the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Disjunct populations also occur in the Atlantic Forest of southea...
Least Concern
- The name "Leaftosser" comes from its distinctive foraging behavior of aggressively flipping leaf litter aside with its bill and feet to expose prey. - Despite its drab appearance, its contrasting grey throat patch is a surprisingly effective field mark for identification in the dark forest unde...