The Abyssinian thrush is a passerine bird in the family Turdidae. It is also known as the African mountain thrush, or northern olive thrush The species was formerly treated as conspecific with the olive thrush but the species were split based on the genetic differences. The ranges do not overlap. The Abyssinian thrush is found in Eritrea and other parts of the Horn of Africa, as well as an area to the southeast extending from the African Great Lakes region to north eastern Zambia and Malawi.
Region
Horn of Africa and East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of Eritrea and Ethiopia south through South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, to northeastern Zambia and Malawi. It inhabits montane evergreen and mixed forest, bamboo, juniper–hagenia woodlands, and well-wooded valleys. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings, coffee plantations, and large, tree-rich gardens. Locally undertakes short altitudinal movements following fruiting trees and seasonal resources.
Altitude Range
1200–3300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the African mountain thrush or northern olive thrush, this species was split from the olive thrush complex based on genetic and morphological differences. It is a highland forest specialist and typically lacks the bright orange bill and eye-ring seen in southern olive thrushes. Its song is a rich, fluting series of phrases delivered from mid-canopy perches at dawn and dusk. It often visits fruiting trees in gardens and forest edges, becoming conspicuous when berries are abundant.
In Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
Temperament
wary but adaptable
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, becoming loosely gregarious at fruiting trees. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs defending well-wooded territories. Builds a neat cup nest in trees or dense shrubs; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious series of mellow, fluting phrases and whistles, often delivered from a mid-canopy perch. Calls include sharp chucks and thin seep notes when alarmed or in contact.
