Taita Thrush

Turdus helleri (Mearns, 1913)

Taita Thrush, Turdus helleri, is a thrush of the Taita Hills in south-east Kenya, where it breeds in montane moist forest. It is confined to four forest blocks there: Mbololo, Chawia, Yale and Ngangao. The bird is notable for its dark grey-brown to black upperparts, grey breast, white underparts and rufous-red flanks. It also has a dark eye with a narrow yellow or orange ring, plus a bright orange bill and legs. It was first described in 1913 by Mearns and is placed in the family Turdidae.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Turdidae — Thrushes

Breeding range

Africa: se Kenya