Colluricincla tenebrosa
A medium-sized, strikingly dark passerine, the Sooty Shrikethrush (Colluricincla tenebrosa) is more often heard than seen, a testament to its secretive nature within dense rainforests. Measuring about 19-21 cm in length, this species sports a uniform, dusky grey-brown plumage, sometimes slightly paler on the belly, contrasting sharply with its piercing pale eyes (white to pale grey or yellowish) and robust, blackish bill. It lacks significant seasonal plumage variations or sexual dimorphism, ...
Found exclusively in dense, humid lowland tropical and subtropical rainforests, often near streams, ravines, or areas with thick undergrowth, typically below 800 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and snails, supplemented occasionally with small vertebrates like frogs, geckos, and small fruits.
The Sooty Shrikethrush is a notoriously shy and cryptic species, typically encountered as solitary individuals or pairs moving quietly through the dense undergrowth. It is diurnal but most active during the cooler parts of the day, retreating deeper into cover during midday heat. Foraging primari...
The Sooty Shrikethrush has a disjunct distribution across New Guinea and a small part of northern Australia. In New Guinea, it is widespread across the lowlands of both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea, including offshore islands like Yapen. Its Australian range is restricted to the northern...
Data Deficient
- The Sooty Shrikethrush is renowned for being more often heard than seen, a true ghost of the rainforest. - Its rich, fluty song is often described as "ventriloquial," making it exceptionally difficult to locate the singing bird. - Unlike many forest birds, both sexes of the Sooty Shrikethrush s...