Bassian Thrush
A species of Scaly Thrushes and Allies Scientific name : Zoothera lunulata Genus : Scaly Thrushes and Allies
Bassian Thrush, A species of Scaly Thrushes and Allies
Botanical name: Zoothera lunulata
Genus: Scaly Thrushes and Allies
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Francesco Veronesi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Bassian thrush (Zoothera lunulata), also known as the olive-tailed thrush, is a medium-sized mostly insectivorous thrush found from northern Queensland to southeastern Australia; it also occurs in Tasmania, on some larger islands of Bass Strait, and on Kangaroo Island. The thrushes range from 27 to 29 cm (10.5 to 11.5 in) in length and average 100 g (3.5 oz). It is estimated that the rangewide population is large, though no official count has ever been established. The Bassian thrush lives in shrubland, forests, and rainforests. It appears to be a resident species, but there is some evidence that some individuals have nomadic tendencies, usually in the non-breeding season. Though affected by human destruction of its natural habitats, its range is so large that the impact is negligible. The thrush ranges in color from brown to an olive color, with a white ring around its eyes and black bars on its back, rear, and head. Its underbody is paler, with dark scalloping, and its wings have a dark bar running the length of the underside. Nesting begins in the winter months (from late June) and continues till the end of summer. The two or three eggs which form a clutch vary from pale green or blue to light stone. The cup-shaped nest is usually built of strips of bark, at times mixed with leaves, and is lined with grasses and rootlets. Sites vary from a few feet to 50 feet from ground. A fork in the tree is usually favoured, but the nest may be placed on the stump, or a ledge in a cave. Bassian thrush are known to dislodge their prey out of pile of leaves by disturbing the leaf litter. The birds move quietly, but often pause, to listen for the movements of the insects. They also disturb worm prey by farting, which provokes the worms to move.
Size
29 cm
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Feeding Habits
Bassian Thrush forages on the forest floor, primarily consuming insects, earthworms, and molluscs. It occasionally supplements its diet with fruits. Employing a 'freeze and lunge' technique, bassian Thrush detects prey by disturbances in the leaf litter.
Habitat
Bassian Thrush can be commonly found in cool, damp terrestrial environments, predominantly inhabiting dense forests that exhibit a closed canopy and abundant moist leaf litter. These areas are typically characterized by high annual rainfall, usually exceeding 800 mm. The species has a preference for heavily vegetated gulleys and shows adaptability by occupying both native and pine plantation forests as long as there is substantial canopy cover. In regions with coexistent related species, bassian Thrush resides in higher elevation zones above 500 meters. Their habitat also extends to damp eucalypt forests, including areas around creek lines and dune swales.
Dite type
Omnivorous
General Info
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Francesco Veronesi , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original