The Kurrichane thrush is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. The species is found from central through to southern Africa. Its natural habitat is dry savanna and woodland, predominantly miombo woodland.
Region
Central and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies dry savanna, miombo and mopane woodlands, riverine thickets, and well-wooded gardens. It favors areas with a mosaic of open ground and leaf-littered understory for ground foraging. In miombo it uses the quieter forest floor and edges, while in suburbs it frequents shaded gardens and parks. It avoids dense, closed-canopy rainforest and very arid treeless zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named after the historic Tswana settlement of Kaditshwene (often spelled Kurrichane) in South Africa, this thrush is a familiar voice of southern African woodlands. It often forages on lawns and forest floors, flipping leaf litter to uncover prey. Its bright orange bill and legs make it one of the easier African thrushes to recognize.
Temperament
shy but confiding near humans
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low to the ground
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a neat cup nest in a fork or dense shrub, using grasses and mud, lined with finer material. Clutches usually contain 2–3 eggs, and both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A mellow, fluty series of clear phrases delivered at a measured pace, often repeated in short sequences. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, with soft contact calls given while foraging.
Plumage
Warm brown to grey-brown upperparts with a whitish to buff underbody washed orange on the breast and flanks; throat pale with fine dark streaking.
Diet
Takes a wide variety of ground-dwelling invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, termites, ants, and earthworms. Also consumes snails and small arachnids when available. Supplements animal prey with seasonal fruits and berries, including figs and other woodland fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly on the ground in leaf litter, along paths, lawns, and under shrubs in woodlands and gardens. Will also glean low branches and fallen logs, especially near watercourses and woodland edges.
