Geokichla spiloptera
The Spot-winged Thrush (Geokichla spiloptera) is a captivating, medium-sized thrush endemic to the lush forests of Sri Lanka, renowned for its elusive nature and striking plumage. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing around 48-66 grams, it exhibits olive-brown upperparts that provide excellent camouflage within its forest habitat. Its most distinctive field marks are the prominent white spots on its primary coverts, giving the species its common name, complemen...
This thrush primarily inhabits dense, humid evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often preferring the undergrowth of submontane and montane regions between 300 to 1800 meters (1,000 to 6,000 feet) elevation, extending into well-wooded gardens at lower altitudes.
Its diet mainly consists of invertebrates, including various insects, spiders, and earthworms, supplemented with small fruits and berries, foraged primarily by gleaning from leaf litter on the forest floor.
The Spot-winged Thrush is largely diurnal, though it is often most active during the cooler parts of the day and at dusk, frequently heard but rarely seen. It forages primarily on the forest floor, meticulously sifting through leaf litter and damp soil for invertebrates, using a characteristic ho...
The Spot-winged Thrush is entirely restricted to the island nation of Sri Lanka, where it is a resident species, exhibiting no migratory movements. Its distribution primarily encompasses the wet zone forests of the central and southwestern parts of the island. Key areas include the central highla...
Least Concern
- The Spot-winged Thrush is entirely endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. - Despite its 'Least Concern' conservation status, its restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation. - Its scientific name 'spiloptera' literally means 'spotted wi...