Red-throated Thrush

The Red-throated Thrush, a member of the passerine bird family, is a large thrush characterized by its plain grey back and the distinctive reddish underwings. The adult male is particularly striking with its red throat, a feature from which the species draws its name.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-throated Thrush, look for the adult male's red throat patch. Females and juveniles, while lacking this bib, can be recognized by their black-streaked underparts. The grey back and reddish underwings are also key identification features across sexes and ages.

Habitat

This species is native to the Palearctic region, where it occupies various habitats during its migratory cycle.

Distribution

The Red-throated Thrush breeds in East Siberia and North Manchuria and migrates to wintering grounds in West China, Myanmar, and Northeast India. Its range occasionally overlaps with the black-throated thrush, its close relative.

Behaviour

As a migratory bird, the Red-throated Thrush exhibits long-distance seasonal movements between breeding and wintering areas. It is also known to be a very rare vagrant to western Europe.

Similar Species

The Red-throated Thrush may be confused with the black-throated thrush, especially where their ranges overlap. However, the two are now often treated as separate species.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Red-throated Thrush as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.