The groundscraper thrush is a passerine bird of southern and eastern Africa belonging to the thrush family, Turdidae. It was previously considered the only member of the genus Psophocichla, but phylogenetic analysis supports it belonging in the genus Turdus, of which it is the most basal species.
Region
Southern and Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Namibia and Botswana through Zimbabwe and South Africa, with populations extending into Mozambique and southern Tanzania. It favors open, dry to semi-arid habitats including savannah, thornveld, lightly wooded grassland, and rocky slopes. The species adapts well to human-modified environments such as town parks, golf courses, road verges, and farmyards where short turf and scattered trees are available. It is typically a year-round resident within suitable habitat, moving locally in response to rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This thrush often sings from conspicuous perches such as rooftops, termite mounds, or utility poles, delivering rich, flute-like phrases that it may repeat and occasionally mix with mimicry. It spends much of its time on the ground, striding and stopping to pick prey, which inspired its common name. The species was long placed in the monotypic genus Psophocichla, but genetic studies support its placement as a basal member of Turdus.
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season; pairs defend small territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees, on ledges, or occasionally on human structures. Outside of breeding, small loose groups may form at favored feeding sites or water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, fluting phrases delivered at a measured pace, often repeating short motifs. Song is given from elevated perches and at dawn and dusk; includes some mimicry of other species’ calls.
Plumage
Upperparts plain grey-brown to sandy-brown; underparts whitish to buff with bold black arrowhead chevrons on the breast and flanks. Tail is dark with contrasting white outer tail feathers visible in flight. The face shows a pale eyebrow and slightly darker lores; wings are otherwise plain with subtle edging.
Diet
Primarily takes ground-dwelling invertebrates such as ants, termites, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and snails. Also consumes small quantities of fruit and berries, especially in dry seasons when insects are less available. Opportunistically picks small vertebrates or scraps around human habitation.
Preferred Environment
Forages on short grass, bare ground, and around termite mounds, often in open woodland and suburban lawns. It probes leaf litter, turns small objects, and visually detects prey while walking and pausing.
