Cichladusa ruficauda
The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush (Cichladusa ruficauda) is a captivating medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 in) in length and weighing around 20-30 grams. Its most distinctive feature, and the origin of its name, is its brilliant rufous-chestnut tail, which contrasts sharply with its otherwise olive-brown upperparts and whitish to pale buff underparts. Juveniles may exhibit faint streaking on the breast. This species is easily identified by its prominent rufous tail, r...
Primarily found in dense undergrowth of palm forests, secondary woodlands, gallery forests, and overgrown plantations, typically in lowland tropical and subtropical regions.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming a variety of insects and other invertebrates (such as beetles, ants, termites, and caterpillars), supplemented with small fruits and berries. It forages predominantly by gleaning and probing.
A diurnal species, the Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is often secretive, preferring to forage discreetly in dense cover, but can become quite bold in habituated areas. It frequently forages on the ground, actively flicking leaf litter aside with its bill or gleaning insects from low vegetation. Durin...
The Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is a widespread resident across a significant portion of West and Central Africa. Its breeding and year-round range extends from Senegambia in the west, through countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Furt...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *ruficauda*, literally translates to 'red tail,' a direct reference to its most striking and defining physical feature. - Despite its common name, the Rufous-tailed Palm Thrush is not a 'true thrush' (family Turdidae) but belongs to the Old World Flycatcher family, Muscicap...