White's Thrush

The White's thrush, known scientifically as Zoothera aurea, is a distinguished member of the Turdidae family. This species, named in honor of the esteemed English naturalist Gilbert White, exhibits a plumage that is a delightful interplay of black scaling set against a paler backdrop that may range from white to a subtle yellowish hue. Both sexes share this characteristic appearance, spanning a length of 27 to 31 centimeters.

Identification Tips

In the field, one may identify the White's thrush by its unique underwing pattern; a conspicuous black band contrasts sharply with the white underwing, a trait it shares with its relative, the Siberian thrush. Observers should also note the bird's overall scalloped feather pattern, which aids in its identification.

Habitat

The White's thrush is a denizen of the wet coniferous taiga, thriving in the lush eastern Palearctic regions, which encompass Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan.

Distribution

This species exhibits a strong migratory pattern, especially the northern races. During the winter months, they embark on a journey to the warmer climes of southeastern Asia. On rare occasions, the White's thrush may appear as a vagrant in western Europe.

Behaviour

The White's thrush is known for its elusive nature, often preferring the solitude of dense forests. However, during migration, it may be observed in more open areas, providing a rare opportunity for observation.

Song & Calls

The male White's thrush serenades the forest with a loud, mechanical whistle that carries far and wide. Each whistle is a one-second-long phrase, often described as "twee…tuuu….tuuu….tuuu," with brief intermissions of 5 to 10 seconds between each melodious call.

Similar Species

The White's thrush was once considered a subspecies of the scaly thrush. When comparing the two, one should pay close attention to the underwing patterns and overall coloration to differentiate between them.

Conservation status

BirdLife International has assessed the White's thrush as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This status indicates that, currently, there are no immediate threats to the population levels of this species.