The grey shrikethrush or grey shrike-thrush, formerly commonly known as grey thrush, is a songbird of Australasia. It is moderately common to common in most parts of Australia, but absent from the driest of the inland deserts. It is also found in New Guinea.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Common across most of Australia except the driest interior deserts, and also found in parts of New Guinea. It inhabits forests, woodlands, riparian corridors, mangroves, and well-vegetated parks and gardens. The species favors areas with dense understory or fallen timber for cover and foraging. It occurs from coastal regions to upland forests and will use edges and ecotones where prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey shrikethrush is renowned for its rich, clear, melodious song that carries through forests and woodlands. It adapts readily to a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to suburban gardens, as long as cover is available. An opportunistic predator, it forages methodically and will take small vertebrates as well as invertebrates.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs holding year-round territories. Builds a neat cup nest in a tree fork or dense shrub, often well concealed. The female incubates most of the time while both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of rich, fluted whistles delivered in varied phrases, often repeated. Loud and musical, commonly heard at dawn and from prominent perches throughout the day.
