The blue whistling thrush is a bird in the Old World flycatchers family Muscicapidae that is found in the mountains of Central Asia, South Asia, China and Southeast Asia. It is known for its loud human-like whistling song at dawn and dusk. The widely distributed populations show variations in size and plumage with several of them considered as subspecies. Like others in the genus, they feed on the ground, often along streams and in damp places foraging for snails, crabs, fruits and insects.
Region
Central and South Asia to Southeast China and Indochina
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits montane forests, shaded ravines, and rocky stream corridors across the Himalayas, southern China, and northern Southeast Asia. Often found near fast-flowing rivers, waterfalls, tea estates, and forest edges where damp ground and boulders provide foraging sites. In winter it may descend to lower valleys, including parks and gardens near water. Prefers broken, rocky terrain with cover and perches for singing.
Altitude Range
300–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking thrush is famed for its loud, human-like whistles delivered at dawn and dusk, which can carry far through mountain valleys. Its strong bill and habit of using stone ‘anvils’ help it crack open snails and crabs along rocky streams. The plumage shows a deep blue-violet sheen spangled with tiny whitish spots that glitter in low light. Several subspecies vary in size and bill color across its wide Asian range.
M. c. temminckii at Buxa Tiger Reserve, India
Closeup of a blue whistling thrush at the Bronx Zoo.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, defending linear territories along streams. Nests on ledges, bridges, or rocky banks, constructing bulky cup nests with moss and roots. Clutches typically contain 3–4 eggs, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, fluty series of human-like whistles and clear phrases, often delivered from prominent perches at dawn and dusk. Also gives sharp metallic calls and thin seep notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Deep purplish-blue with metallic sheen, densely spangled with small whitish spots, especially on the body and wing coverts.
Diet
Forages for aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as snails, crabs, beetles, and larvae, and will take small vertebrates when available. Also consumes fruits and berries seasonally. Often uses stones as anvils to break snail shells and manipulates prey skillfully with its bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along boulder-strewn streams, waterfalls, and damp forest floors, frequently hopping on rocks and probing crevices. Will exploit human-made structures like bridges where flowing water concentrates prey.
