The African thrush or West African thrush is a passerine bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is common in well-wooded areas over much of the western part of sub-Saharan Africa, it was once considered to be conspecific with the olive thrush but that species has now been split further. Populations are resident (non-migratory).
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in well-wooded landscapes including forest edges, gallery forests, secondary growth, and wooded savannas. Frequently uses human-modified habitats such as gardens, parks, plantations, and towns with mature trees. Prefers areas with dense understory or leaf litter for ground foraging. Often found near fruiting trees and along quiet paths and clearings. Typically avoids deep, unbroken primary forest.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The African thrush is a widespread Turdus thrush of wooded habitats across western and central sub-Saharan Africa. It was once lumped with the olive thrush but is now treated separately, with several regional subspecies. It readily adapts to parks and gardens and often becomes confiding where not persecuted. Its mellow, fluting song is most often heard at dawn and dusk.
African Thrush
Temperament
wary but adaptable
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes small loose groups at fruiting trees. Maintains small territories, with males singing from prominent perches. Builds a neat cup nest of grasses and mud placed in shrubs or low trees; both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, mellow series of fluted phrases and whistles, often repeated with slight variations. Calls include soft chucking notes and thin seee contact calls. Most vocal at dawn and late afternoon from exposed perches.
Plumage
Upperparts olive-brown to brownish-grey; underparts pale grey to buff with fine dark streaking on the throat and upper breast, the belly often whitish. Flanks are warm buff; tail brown. Subtle pale eye-ring present, overall a plain, softly toned thrush.
Diet
Takes a wide range of invertebrates including beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and earthworms, which it finds by turning leaf litter. Also consumes fruits and berries such as figs and other soft fruit, and occasionally small snails. Forages methodically on the ground and makes short sallies into low foliage to pick fruits or insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along shaded forest edges, gardens, lawns, and tracks where leaf litter is abundant. Regularly visits fruiting trees and shrubs in parks and secondary woodland. Often forages in semi-open areas adjacent to cover.
