Long-tailed thrush

The long-tailed thrush is a species of bird in the family Turdidae. It is found from the central and eastern Himalayas to south-central and south-western China. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.

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Distribution

Region

Central and Eastern Himalayas to Southwest China

Typical Environment

Occupies moist montane forests, including mixed broadleaf and conifer zones with dense rhododendron and bamboo understory. It favors mossy ravines, forest edges, and shaded gullies, often near streams. In winter it may use high-altitude shrublands and secondary growth at slightly lower elevations. The species keeps close to the ground and prefers thickets that provide cover.

Altitude Range

1800–3600 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size22–26 cm

Wing Span34–40 cm

Male Weight0.085 kg

Female Weight0.08 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A shy, ground-favoring thrush, the long-tailed thrush keeps to dense understory where its boldly scaled plumage offers superb camouflage. It makes short altitudinal movements, often descending in winter to slightly lower elevations. The notably long tail aids balance as it hops through leaf litter and low shrubs. Its fluty, high-pitched song often gives it away before it is seen.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering flights

Social Behavior

Typically solitary or in pairs, foraging quietly on or near the forest floor. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on banks, ledges, or low trees, using moss and roots. Both parents participate in rearing the young.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Song is a soft, fluty series of clear, high notes with descending phrases. Calls include thin, seee or tsip contact notes, often given from cover.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-brown

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Heavily scaled appearance with dark-edged feathers over buffy to warm-brown background; scaly pattern extends from breast to flanks. Upperparts are brown with fine black scalloping; throat lightly streaked.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on insects, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter and low vegetation. Also takes earthworms and small snails. In season, supplements diet with berries and small fruits.

Preferred Environment

Forages on damp forest floors, along shaded trails, and among dense rhododendron and bamboo thickets. Frequently searches around mossy logs, roots, and streamside leaf litter.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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