Here is a Great Thrush who (kinda) cooperated just long enough for a quick photo shoot in a small municipal park in Quito, where he shared a feeding ground with a Red-crested Cardinal and an Eared Dove, among others.
It’s the largest of the South American thrushes. What a great eye ring!

Great Thrush (Turdus fuscater) in brief (with an assist by WordPress AI):
- Size: Approximately 25-28 cm (10-11 in) in length.
- Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals.
- Habitat: Prefers urban areas, parks, and gardens, frequently found in open woodlands and grasslands.
- Physical Description: Dark brownish-black plumage with a pale yellow-orange eye and a slightly curved bill; underside is lighter.
- Breeding: Breeding season typically occurs from March to August; nests are built in shrubs or trees, with 2-4 eggs per clutch.
- Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, stable population.
- Unique Behaviors: Known for its loud and varied songs; often forages in pairs or small groups.
- Range and Migration: Native to the Andes of Ecuador and Colombia; generally resident, but some individuals may migrate to lower elevations during colder months.
More:
- Greath Thrush at Birds of the World
- Greath Thrush at BirdLife DataZone
- Greath Thrush at eBird
- Greath Thrush at Avibase
- Greath Thrush at Wikipedia
- Greath Thrush at iNaturalist
- Greath Thrush at Oiseaux.net
Photos from 27 May 2013; posted last updated on 15 July 2025
Discover more from BobRamsak.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Pingback: Eared Dove, in Quito – Bob Ramsak – Notebooks
Pingback: Red-crested Cardinal, in Quito – Bob Ramsak – Notebooks