The dark-sided thrush is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is also known as the lesser brown thrush, the long-billed ground-thrush, and the dark-sided ground-thrush. The species is monotypic and is closely related to a number of thrushes in the genus Zoothera, including the long-billed thrush and the widespread scaly thrush. It was described by Edward Blyth in 1847 based upon a specimen collected in Rakhine in Burma (Myanmar).
Region
Eastern Himalayas and Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern parts of the Indian subcontinent through Myanmar into northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and adjacent southern China. It inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, especially along shaded stream gullies, ravines, and bamboo thickets. The species keeps close to the forest floor, favoring damp leaf litter and mossy, rocky slopes. It is patchily distributed where suitable intact forest persists and is typically scarce and local.
Altitude Range
200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A shy, ground-dwelling thrush of dark, shaded forest ravines, it often goes unnoticed as it forages quietly in leaf litter. It is monotypic and closely related to other Zoothera thrushes such as the long-billed and scaly thrushes. Typically heard more than seen, it prefers damp stream gullies and steep, mossy slopes. Described by Edward Blyth in 1847 from a specimen collected in present-day Myanmar.
Temperament
secretive and solitary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats low through understory
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, it forages quietly on the ground by flicking leaves and probing soft soil. During breeding, pairs nest in well-hidden sites such as banks, roots, or ledges with a cup of moss and leaves. Outside the breeding season it remains unobtrusive, rarely forming flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, fluty series of clear whistles delivered from a concealed perch, often at dawn or dusk. Calls include thin seep notes and quiet contact calls from the understory.
