The Tibetan blackbird is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. It is found in the Himalayas from northern Pakistan to southeastern Tibet. Originally described as a separate species by Henry Seebohm in 1881, it was then considered a subspecies of the common blackbird until 2008, when phylogenetic evidence revealed that it was only distantly related to the latter species. It is a relatively large thrush, having an overall length of 23–28 centimetres. Males are blackish-brown all over with darker plumage on the head, breast, wings and tail and dull orange-yellow bills, while females have browner underparts, faint streaking on the throat, and a dull darkish yellow bill. Both sexes may seem slightly hooded. It can be differentiated from the common blackbird by its complete lack of an eye-ring and reduced song.
Region
Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Pakistan across the Himalayas through India, Nepal, and Bhutan to southeastern Tibet and adjacent parts of southwestern China. It inhabits montane broadleaf and mixed forests, rhododendron and juniper scrub, forest edges, and wooded valleys. In the nonbreeding season, some individuals move downslope to more open woodland and cultivated areas. Local abundance varies with habitat quality, with birds favoring areas with dense understory and nearby openings for foraging.
Altitude Range
1800–4300 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tibetan blackbird is a high-elevation thrush of the Himalayas and southeastern Tibet, once lumped with the common blackbird but split based on genetic evidence. It lacks the bright eye-ring typical of the common blackbird and has a shorter, more subdued song. Birds often make altitudinal movements, descending in winter to lower forest edges and valleys. They forage mostly on the ground, flicking leaf litter for invertebrates and fallen berries.
Tibetan blackbird feeding on worms in Hunza, Pakistan
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, becoming more gregarious in loose groups in winter where food is abundant. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs, small trees, or ledges, constructed of grasses and rootlets, often reinforced with mud. Both parents participate in provisioning the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is shorter and more subdued than the common blackbird’s, with mellow, fluted phrases and longer pauses. Calls include soft tchak and thin seep notes, plus harsher alarm chaks when disturbed.
