The grey-sided thrush is a species of bird in the thrush family, Turdidae.
Region
East Asia and northern Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in northeastern China and the Russian Far East in temperate mixed and broadleaf forests. In the non-breeding season it moves to southern China and parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, favoring evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It uses dense undergrowth and forest edges, often near fruiting shrubs and trees. During migration it can occur in secondary growth, wooded ravines, and hill forests.
Altitude Range
200–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-sided thrush is a shy, forest-dwelling Turdus that breeds in Northeast Asia and winters in Southeast Asia. It often forages quietly in leaf litter and can be overlooked except when it visits fruiting trees. The species is listed as Vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation on both breeding and wintering grounds. During migration, it may appear in mixed flocks with other thrushes.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs while breeding; forms small loose groups in winter around fruiting trees. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in low trees or shrubs, built from twigs, moss, and grasses. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, fluty series of clear whistles and phrases delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin tseep notes and quiet chuck calls when flushed.
Plumage
Male shows slate-grey head and flanks with cleaner whitish underparts and fine, dusky spotting or mottling across the upper breast; upperparts are brownish to olive-brown. Female is browner overall with less grey on the sides and more diffuse breast markings. Both sexes have smooth, plain wings and a neat, thrush-like appearance.
Diet
Eats a mix of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and earthworms, along with berries and other soft fruits. In the breeding season it leans more on animal prey for protein, shifting to fruit when abundant in migration and winter. It will glean from low foliage and probe or flip leaf litter on the forest floor.
Preferred Environment
Forages on shaded forest floors, along trails and stream edges, and in dense undergrowth. In winter it frequents fruiting trees and shrubs in evergreen forests and wooded hillsides.
