Aztec thrush

Ridgwayia pinicola

Photo by Chris West (Arizona Field Ornithologists)

Common name:
Aztec thrush (en); tordo-asteca (pt); grive aztèque (fr); zorzal azteca (es); Aztekendrossel (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Passeriformes
Family Turdidae

Range:
This species is endemic to Mexico, being found in the western and central parts of the country from Sonora to Oaxaca. Occasionally, vagrant birds may wander into the southern United States.

Size:
These birds are 22-24 cm long and have a wingspan of 40 cm. They weigh 65-90 g.

Habitat:
The Aztec thrush is found in mountain, moist tropical forests, at altitudes of 1.800-3.500 m.

Diet:
They feed on insects and other arthropods, worms, fruits and berries.

Breeding:
Aztec thrushes breed in May-September. The nest is an open cup made of moss, grasses, mud and twigs, and lined with finer materials. It is placed in a fork or branch of a tree. The female lays 2-3 light blue eggs, which she incubates alone for 12-14 days. The chicks are raised by both parents and fledge about 2 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and a global population estimated at 20.000-50.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and fragmentation.