Thrushes (Turdidae)

Slaty Thrush (Turdus nigriceps) - HBW 10, p. 664

French: Merle ardoisé German: Weißachseldrossel Spanish: Zorzal Plomizo
Other common names: Andean Slaty Thrush (nominate); Eastern Slaty Thrush, Slaty-capped/Behn’s Thrush, Blacksmith Thrush (subalaris)

Taxonomy: Turdus nigriceps Cabanis, 1874, Peru.
Race subalaris often treated as a separate species on basis of morphological and vocal differences, although these relatively minor; further analysis of evidence needed. Males of nominate race tend to vary clinally in plumage from N to S. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • nigriceps Cabanis, 1874 - breeds Andes of SW Ecuador (Loja) and NW Peru (Piura) and from C Bolivia S to C Argentina; non-breeding also S Ecuador S to Bolivia.
  • subalaris (Seebohm, 1887) - breeds E Paraguay, SE Brazil and NE Argentina; non-breeding also N to SC Brazil.