Birding

Leucistic Thrush revisit

November 17, 2018 by Redgannet No Comments

A return to Sao Paulo just 4 weeks after my last visit gave me a chance to check up on the leucistic Rufous-bellied Thrush that I had seen in Ibirapuera Park. I had seen it during both visits to the park in the same locale each time.

This time it was easily re-found both times in exactly the same location and still associated with a small loose flock of more conventionally coloured Rufous-breasted Thrushes.

I got to thinking. How loyal are the thrushes to a particular location when they are not breeding? How large is their patch? How loyal are they to a particular flock?

There was no breeding behaviour evident amongst the thrushes on any of the 4 sightings over a 4-week spread from the last week of August to the last week of September, though other species were gearing up for the season, with a Southern Lapwing seen on eggs.

An individual that can easily be identified could help to provide a few answers. This white bird for example, has ranged over barely 300 square meters in 4 sightings over 4 weeks. That seems to be a very small home range.

I counted 6 other Rufous-breasted Thrushes on my first visit and 6 again on my third and fourth sightings. This may be evidence, but is certainly not proof.

Does anyone else have an identifiable individual, of any species, that they would like to share information about?

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.