Slaty-backed Nightingale (Catharus fuscater)

Identification & Behavior: ~17 cm (6.6 in). The Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush has dusky-gray upperparts and tail. The head is dusky with a pale iris, orange-red eyering, bill, and legs. The underparts are grayish. It forages in the understory of montane forests, particularly along streams. It is similar to the closely related Spotted Nightingale-Thrush but is distinguished by a darker overall plumage and grayish underparts without spots. Also, see Slaty Thursh.

Status: The Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush is uncommon and widespread in montane forests of the east and west (Piura and Cajamarca) slopes of the Andes at elevations ranging between 1500-3300 m. It also occurs in Co, Ec, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Zorzal Sombrío.

Sub-species: Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus fuscater caniceps), Chapman, 1924.  NW & C Peru, probably also SW Ecuador.
(Catharus fuscater mentalis), P. L. Sclater and Salvin, 1876.  SE Peru and NW Bolivia.

Meaning of Name: Catharus: Gr. katharos= pure, clean. fuscater: L. fuscus= dark and ater = black.fuscater. Between dark and black, blackish or dark gray.

See more of the Family Turdidae