The ruddy-capped nightingale-thrush (Catharus frantzii) is a small thrush which is a resident breeder in mountain forests from central Mexico to western Panama.

[2] This species is 15–18 cm in length and weighs 28 g. The adult has olive-brown upperparts, a rufous crown and nape, pale grey underparts, becoming whitish on the belly, and an orange lower mandible.

The juvenile is darker faced, has pale centres to the upperpart feathers, brownish flanks and breast, and dark barring or spots on the belly.

This bird's song is a beautiful rich and varied whistle, shee-vee-li-ee-ree, and call is a high thin seet or whooeet.

It turns leaf litter in typical thrush fashion seeking insects and spiders, and also eats small fruits.