Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #51

By Jim Gain

7/16/2023

• Scientific Name: Turdus grayi
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Mirlo Café
• Name in Mayan: Xkook
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: CCTH
• Family: Turdidae – Thrushes and Allies
• Order: Passeriformes – Perching Birds

About this Species

The Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) is a medium-sized passerine bird that measures about 23 cm in length and weighs around 65 g. It has a distinctive brownish-gray coloration on its upperparts becoming paler brown below, with a whitish throat streaked darker, and pinkish legs, and a slightly yellow bill. The species is sexually monomorphic, meaning that males and females have a similar appearance.

In Belize, the Clay-colored Robin is a common resident bird that can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and gardens. It is distributed throughout the country, from sea level up to 1,500 meters of elevation. The species is also found in other countries of Central America, such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

The Clay-colored Robin is an omnivorous bird that feeds on a wide range of invertebrates, fruits, and berries. It is known for its beautiful song, which is a series of melodious whistles and trills. The species is monogamous, and both parents take care of the nestlings. It builds a cup-shaped nest made of twigs and grasses in a tree or shrub, usually at a height of 2 to 10 meters from the ground. The breeding season varies depending on the region, but it usually takes place from March to July.

>> Next Post on Tuesday, 7/18/2023 – Magnificent Frigatebird

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin