Turdus swalesi
The La Selle Thrush (Turdus swalesi) is a striking and critically endangered songbird endemic to the island of Hispaniola. This medium-sized thrush measures approximately 23-25 cm (9-10 inches) in length and weighs about 70-80 grams, characterized by its overall dark olive-brown plumage, contrasting with a bright red bill and legs. A distinctive pale orbital ring around its dark eye is a key field mark, lending it a perpetually intense expression. Taxonomically, it belongs to the genus *Turdu...
This species primarily inhabits moist, high-elevation montane cloud forests, pine forests, and broadleaf forests, typically found above 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) in elevation.
Its diet consists mainly of invertebrates, including insects and earthworms, supplemented significantly by fruits and berries, which it forages for by gleaning from vegetation and scratching through leaf litter.
The La Selle Thrush is a diurnal and notoriously shy bird, often remaining concealed within dense undergrowth, making it challenging to observe. It forages primarily on the forest floor, scratching through leaf litter for invertebrates, and also gleans fruits and berries from shrubs and trees. Wh...
The La Selle Thrush is strictly endemic to the mountainous regions of Hispaniola, divided into two geographically isolated populations corresponding to its two subspecies. The nominate subspecies, *Turdus swalesi swalesi*, is restricted to the Massif de la Selle in southwestern Haiti, while *Turd...
Critically Endangered
- The La Selle Thrush is one of the most critically endangered birds in the Caribbean, facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. - It is named after Caleb Swales, an American ornithologist who collected the type specimen. - This thrush is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, found ...