Dusky Thrush

Overview

The dusky thrush (Turdus eunomus) is a medium-sized, stocky thrush reminiscent in structure of a small fieldfare. It breeds in central Siberia and Kamchatka before migrating to winter in South-east Asia. This species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized and stocky body shape similar to a small fieldfare, with a dark brown back and rump.
• Black face, breast, and flank spots contrasting with a white belly and undertail coverts.
• Reddish brown underwing and a pale supercilium are visible features.
• The male produces a simple fluted or whistling song, similar to that of a redwing.

Habitat

Breeds in open woodland, mountainous, and tundra-edge habitats eastwards from central Siberia to Kamchatka. It is strongly migratory, wintering in South-east Asia, principally in China, Korea, Japan, and Myanmar. Rarely found as a vagrant in western Europe.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of insects, especially mosquitoes, earthworms, and berries. Migrating and wintering birds often form small flocks during foraging.

Did you know?

A December 2016 sighting in Derbyshire, United Kingdom, attracted hundreds of birdwatchers to view this rare vagrant. Its scientific name combines Latin for 'thrush' and Ancient Greek for 'orderly'.