Rhodinocichlidae – Rosy Thrush-Tanager

The Rosy Thrush-tanager Rhodinocichla rosea or rose-breasted thrush-tanager is a species of bird in the currently monotypic genus Rhodinocichla. It was formerly assigned to the family Thraupidae and more recently viewed as being of uncertain placement; a (2015) molecular study places it closest to the Calcariidae. It has since been elevated to its own family, Rhodinocichlidae. Found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and heavily degraded former forests.

It is a handsome, but typically skulking and rarely seen bird of the tropical lowlands and lower foothills. Found in shady understory of dense brushy woodland, deciduous forest and coffee plantations. Usually seen as singles or pairs, on or near the ground where uses its long bill to toss leaves. Pairs call back and forth with varied rich whistles and clucks. The male can look dark overall, with a whitish eyebrow, but when he faces front the rose-pink bib is stunning, whereas the female has a rusty-orange bib.

It is about 20 cm long. The male is a distinctive bird with a long streak above the eye, pink in front of the eye and white behind. The upper parts are dark, brownish-black, the flanks are dusky grey and the underparts magenta, as is the leading edge of the wing. The female is generally similar to the male but the rosy-magenta is replaced by a deep ochre colour. The beak is long and slightly curved, resembling that of a mimid.

The distribution in Central America and northern South America includes Mexico, Costa Rica, northern Venezuela and northern Colombia. Typical habitat is thick undergrowth in deciduous forests, secondary woodland, thickets and scrubland. It most frequently occurs in the mountain foothills at altitudes varying between 600 and 5,000 feet.

Occurring singly or in pairs, it flits among low undergrowth or hops along on the ground, turning over the leaf litter with its beak. It is a shy, rather furtive bird and difficult to observe. It does, however, respond well if a recording of its voice is played to it; its song is a rich succession of clear notes, and is sometimes sung in duet, two birds alternating in its production. It is the only tanager-type known to sing in this way. Its diet is a mixture of animal and vegetable matter. Breeding is reported to take place in July in Mexico and between January and September in Costa Rica.

It has a wide range and is estimated to have a total population of fewer than 50,000 individuals. However, the population seems to be stable and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of least concern.