Groundscraper Thrush
A species of Groundscraper Thrush Scientific name : Turdus litsitsirupa Genus : Groundscraper Thrush
Groundscraper Thrush, A species of Groundscraper Thrush
Botanical name: Turdus litsitsirupa
Genus: Groundscraper Thrush
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Don Roberson
Description
The groundscraper thrush (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) is a passerine bird of southern and eastern Africa belonging to the thrush family, Turdidae. It is the only member of the genus Psophocichla. It is 22–24 centimetres (8.7–9.4 in) long with an erect posture, short tail, heavy bill and fairly long legs. The upperparts are plain grey-brown with a chestnut wing-panel. The underparts are white with black spots and the face is white with bold black markings. The underwing has a black and white pattern which is visible during the undulating flight. The bird has a slow whistled song and a clicking call. There are four subspecies: P. l. litsitsirupa is the most southerly form, occurring from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique south to northern and eastern parts of South Africa. P. l. pauciguttata is found in southern Angola, northern Namibia and north-west Botswana while P. l. stierlingae occurs in a band from northern Angola across to western Tanzania, Malawi and north-west Mozambique. The range of P. l. simensis is separated from the others; it inhabits the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The species is found in savannas, grassland and open woodland. It can be tame and will forage in parks, gardens and around picnic sites. The cup-shaped nest is built using vegetation and spider-webs and is lined with feathers or leaves. Three or four eggs are laid and are incubated for 14 to 15 days. They are bluish with lilac and red-brown spots and blotches.
Habitat
The habitat of groundscraper Thrush includes a variety of open or lightly wooded areas such as moorland, grassland, secondary growth, cultivated or grazed lands, and gardens. Preferring areas with sparse understory and patches of bare ground, groundscraper Thrush inhabits open miombo, acacia, and mopane woodlands, as well as overgrazed woodlands, orchards, and artificial landscapes like playing fields and golf courses. This species is generally found in environments that are less dense than those favored by other thrushes, steering clear of dense woodlands where it may be outcompeted. Groundscraper Thrush is also associated with riverine vegetation in certain regions.
Dite type
Omnivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Don Roberson
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Thrushes Genus
Groundscraper Thrush Species
Groundscraper Thrush