This inconspicuous thrush is a common and widely distributed bird in a crescent-shaped area of ​​eastern South America, from northern Uruguay in the south, to Colombia in the north. It thrives in open woodlands but also near people and often breeds in gardens and parks. In Suriname it is called the "Boontjedief" ('bean thief') because it sometimes steals vegetables that are being dried in the gardens. It feeds mainly on fruit but also supplements it with worms, insects and small lizards.