The Himalayan thrush or Himalayan forest thrush is a species of bird described in 2016 and separated out from the alpine thrush Zoothera mollissima with which they were formerly lumped. The species is separated on the basis of phylogenetic studies that suggest that the population diverged from the common ancestor at least 3 million years ago. The alpine thrush breeds above the tree line whereas the Himalayan thrush breeds in forested habitats. The species breeds from Sikkim and Darjeeling in India and extends east into Tibet and further east into northwest Yunnan in China. The species differs in its song from that of the alpine thrush. The Himalayan thrush has a more musical call while that of the Alpine thrush is raspy and grating.
Region
Eastern Himalayas and southeastern Tibet to northwest Yunnan
Typical Environment
Found in cool, moist montane forests including coniferous, mixed broadleaf, and rhododendron forests. Prefers mossy, shaded slopes and forest edges near streams where leaf litter accumulates. Breeds within forest interiors below the alpine zone, typically where dense undergrowth provides cover. Makes local altitudinal movements outside the breeding season, sometimes descending to lower montane forests.
Altitude Range
1800–3700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Himalayan forest thrush, it was described in 2016 after being split from the Alpine Thrush (Zoothera mollissima). It breeds in forested habitats below the tree line and has a distinctly more musical, fluty song than the raspier Alpine Thrush. The species occurs from Sikkim and Darjeeling east through southeastern Tibet to northwest Yunnan, China. It was named in honor of Indian ornithologist Salim Ali.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low through forest
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs while foraging on the forest floor, often flicking leaves to uncover prey. Territorial in the breeding season, males sing from mid-story perches within dense forest. Builds a neat cup nest of moss and roots on a branch, stump, or sheltered ledge; clutch typically 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is clear, fluty, and musical with mellow, well-spaced phrases. Lacks the harsh, rasping quality typical of the Alpine Thrush, making it notably more melodious in the field.
Plumage
Plain brown to warm brown upperparts with a largely unmarked back; underparts buffy with fine dark streaks or chevrons on the breast and flanks. Throat buff with subtle streaking; face shows a faint pale brow and thin eye-ring. Tail slightly warmer rufous-brown; overall a soft, matte appearance suited to forest camouflage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on invertebrates such as beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders, and earthworms gleaned from leaf litter. Will occasionally take small snails and other soft-bodied prey. Berries and small fruits may be eaten seasonally when abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the damp, mossy forest floor, along trails, and near stream banks where leaf litter is deep. Uses cover of dense rhododendron and conifer understory, probing and flipping leaves to locate prey.
