The Karoo thrush, also known as Smith's thrush, is a member of the thrush family in Africa. It has traditionally been considered a subspecies of the olive thrush, but is increasingly treated as a separate species. The specific name honours the Scottish military surgeon and zoologist Sir Andrew Smith.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the semi-arid Karoo and adjacent interior of South Africa, extending into towns and agricultural areas where water and trees are available. It favors riverine thickets, acacia scrub, orchards, and suburban gardens. The species is largely absent from the wetter eastern and far southwestern forested zones where olive thrush predominates. It is generally sedentary, though it may shift locally in response to rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Smith's thrush, this species was long treated as a subspecies of the olive thrush but is now widely recognized as distinct. It is well adapted to semi-arid landscapes and readily uses gardens and parks with dense shrubs for cover. The vivid orange bill and eye-ring are key identification clues in the field.
Temperament
wary but confiding in gardens
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; forms loose family groups after breeding. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs nesting in shrubs or small trees in a mud-reinforced cup nest. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, mellow, fluty phrases delivered from exposed perches, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls include sharp chacks and thin seep notes when alarmed or in contact.
