The dusky thrush is a member of the thrush family which breeds eastwards from central Siberia to Kamchatka wintering in Korea, Japan, South China and Myanmar. It is closely related to the more southerly breeding Naumann's thrush T. naumanni; the two have often been regarded as conspecific. The scientific name comes from Latin Turdus, "thrush" and Ancient Greek eunomos, "orderly".
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the taiga and open woodlands from central Siberia to Kamchatka. In winter it moves south to Japan, the Korean Peninsula, eastern China, and northern Myanmar, frequenting parks, fields, and forest edges. It favors mosaic habitats with scattered trees, birch and willow stands, riverine scrub, and clearings. During migration it uses coastal lowlands, farmlands, and urban greenspaces where fruiting shrubs are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dusky thrush breeds across central and eastern Siberia and winters in East Asia, especially Japan, Korea, and parts of China and Myanmar. It is closely related to Naumann's thrush (Turdus naumanni) and the two have often been treated as conspecific. Vagrants occasionally reach Western Europe, causing excitement among birders. Its bold white eyebrow and dark scaly breast pattern are key field marks.
From Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Darjeeling, India.
Temperament
wary and alert
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in small loose groups during breeding, becoming more gregarious in winter when food is abundant. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees or dense shrubs. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, varied warble delivered from a perch, less rich than that of some other Turdus thrushes. Calls include sharp tchak notes and thin seep contact calls, especially in flight.
Plumage
Brown upperparts with darker brown to blackish streaking and a contrasting scaly pattern on the breast and flanks over whitish underparts.
Diet
Feeds on insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates during the breeding season, gleaning and probing on the ground. In autumn and winter it consumes berries and fruits such as rowan, juniper, and hawthorn, and will take seeds when fruit is scarce. Opportunistic foraging allows it to exploit urban parks and farmlands in winter.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in open woodland, forest edges, scrub, and agricultural fields. In winter it readily uses gardens and parks with fruiting shrubs and scattered trees.
