Turdus celaenops
The Izu Thrush, *Turdus celaenops*, is a striking medium-sized songbird, approximately 23 cm (9 inches) long and weighing around 75-90 grams, endemic to Japan. Males are distinctly colored with a glossy black head, chest, and mantle, contrasting with a dark olive-brown back and wings, a whitish belly, and rufous flanks. Females, while sharing the bright orange bill, eye-ring, and legs, exhibit a softer appearance with an olive-brown head and breast, and generally duller underparts, showcasing...
Found primarily in broadleaf evergreen forests, mixed woodlands, and dense scrub, often venturing into gardens and parks. It inhabits low to mid-elevation forested areas, particularly those with a rich understory.
Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates such as earthworms, insects (including beetles and larvae), and other arthropods, supplemented significantly by a variety of berries and fruits.
Izu Thrushes are primarily diurnal, foraging actively on the forest floor, typically sifting through leaf litter for invertebrates. During the non-breeding season, they may be encountered solitarily or in small, loose groups, but become more territorial during the breeding period. Males engage in...
The Izu Thrush is primarily endemic to Japan, with its core breeding grounds centered on the Izu Islands, particularly Miyake-jima and Hachijo-jima, where it is most abundant. Smaller breeding populations are also found along the coastal regions of central Honshu, including the southern Kii Penin...
Vulnerable
- The Izu Thrush is often called the 'Seven Islands Thrush' in Japan, referencing its primary home on the Izu Archipelago. - Despite its relatively dark plumage, its bright orange bill, eye-ring, and legs make it instantly recognizable and a favorite target for bird photographers. - Its rich, flu...