Naumann's Thrush

Overview

Turdus naumanni is a medium-sized, stocky thrush that resembles a small fieldfare in structure. It breeds across northern East Asia, from central Siberia to North Manchuria and Sakhalin, and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized and stocky build reminiscent of a small fieldfare.
• Pale brown back and head with a reddish face, breast, flank spots, and rump.
• White belly and undertail with a pale supercilium and a reddish brown underwing.
• Song may differ from the simple fluted or whistling song of the similar dusky thrush.

Habitat

Breeds in open woodland areas across East Asia, a range that extends further east and south than the mountainous and tundra-edge habitats preferred by the closely related dusky thrush. It is a strongly migratory species that winters in South Asia to Southeast Asia, particularly in China and Korea.

Diet

This omnivorous species feeds on a wide range of insects, with a particular preference for mosquitoes and earthworms, as well as berries.

Did you know?

Although it is a resident of East Asia, it is a rare vagrant to western Europe. Migrating and wintering birds often associate in small flocks, a behaviour that may aid in locating food or navigating during migration.