Bassian Thrush

Overview

The Bassian thrush, also known as the olive-tailed thrush, is a medium-sized mostly insectivorous bird native to Australia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is estimated to be large but slowly declining due to habitat destruction and degradation.

Identification

• Ranges in colour from brown to olive, with a white ring around its eyes and black bars on its back, rear, and head.
• Underbody is paler with dark scalloping, and wings have a dark bar running the length of the underside.
• Medium-sized, ranging from 27 to 29 cm in length and averaging 100 g in weight.

Habitat

Found in shrubland, forests, and rainforests from northern Queensland to southeastern Australia, including Tasmania, some larger islands of Bass Strait, and Kangaroo Island. It is generally a resident species, although some individuals show nomadic tendencies during the non-breeding season.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, the Bassian thrush forages by disturbing leaf litter to dislodge prey. The birds move quietly and often pause to listen for the movements of insects.

Did you know?

Nesting occurs from late June to the end of summer, with cup-shaped nests built of bark strips and lined with grasses, placed anywhere from a few feet to 15 m above ground.