The brown-headed thrush, sometimes known as the brown thrush, is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It breeds in Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Japan; it winters in south toward the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Hainan and the northern Philippines. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests of Japan, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands. In the non-breeding season it moves south into subtropical evergreen forests, secondary woodlands, and wooded parks in the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, Hainan, and the northern Philippines. Prefers dense understory and forest edges with abundant leaf litter for foraging. Often occupies riverine woods and foothill forests during migration.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized thrush of East Asia, it breeds in Japan, Sakhalin, and the Kurils and winters south to the Ryukyus, Taiwan, Hainan, and the northern Philippines. Its warm brown head and breast make it stand out among similar thrushes. It can be confused with Pale or Eyebrowed Thrush, but lacks a strong supercilium and shows a contrasting white belly. It favors quiet forest interiors and is often more easily heard than seen.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats between cover
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, nesting in a cup of twigs and grasses placed in shrubs or low trees. In winter it may form small, loose flocks at fruiting trees or join mixed-species foraging groups. Both sexes participate in territory defense; the male sings from semi-concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Rich, fluted thrush-like phrases with clear, mellow whistles delivered at dawn and dusk. Calls include a soft chuck and thin tseep notes when alarmed or in flight.
Plumage
Warm brown head and breast with grey-brown upperparts and a clean whitish belly; undertail coverts whitish and flanks lightly washed brown. Females and immatures are duller with slight mottling or fine streaking below. Feathers are smooth with a subtle sheen on the head and mantle.
Diet
Feeds on insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates gleaned from the forest floor and low vegetation. Also consumes earthworms after rain and seasonally switches to fruits and berries such as viburnum and rowan. Opportunistic at fruiting trees during migration and winter.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the ground in leaf litter within dense woodland and along edges, clearings, and trails. Will also feed in forested parks and secondary growth during the non-breeding season.
