Himalayan Forest Thrush

The Himalayan thrush, known scientifically as Zoothera salimalii, is a recently described avian species, having been distinguished from its close relative, the alpine thrush, in 2016. This bird bears the honor of being named after the eminent Indian ornithologist, Dr. Sálim Ali. It is characterized by its shorter legs, tail, and wings, but a notably longer bill compared to the alpine thrush. These adaptations are thought to aid in its navigation through the dense forest habitat it calls home.

Identification Tips

When observing the Himalayan thrush, look for a bird with a relatively long bill and shorter appendages compared to its alpine counterpart. These features are key to identifying the species, especially within its forested environment.

Habitat

The Himalayan thrush is a tree-dwelling species, preferring the forested regions where it can utilize its shorter legs and tail to maneuver through the foliage.

Distribution

This species has a range that extends from Sikkim and Darjeeling in India, across Tibet, and into northwest Yunnan in China.

Behaviour

The Himalayan thrush is distinguished from the alpine thrush by its habitat preference, residing in forests as opposed to the alpine thrush's affinity for areas above the tree line.

Song & Calls

The call of the Himalayan thrush is described as more musical in contrast to the raspy and grating sounds of the alpine thrush, providing an auditory clue to its identification.

Similar Species

The Himalayan thrush was formerly lumped with the alpine thrush, Zoothera mollissima, but can be differentiated by its song, habitat preference, and physical adaptations for forest dwelling.

Conservation status

As of the latest assessment, the Himalayan thrush is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently faces no imminent threats to its survival.