Passeriformes / Turdidae / Turdus

Japanese Thrush

Turdus cardis · 乌灰鸫

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Introduction

A migratory species in the thrush family Turdidae, breeding in central China and Japan and wintering in coastal southern China, northern Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits deciduous or mixed forests, secondary growth, gardens, and parks. The species is monotypic.

Description

Mid-sized thrush exhibiting sexual dimorphism. Males have a black head, breast, back, wings, and tail, with a white underside featuring black spots on the upper belly and flanks. Legs, bill, and thin eye-ring are yellow. Females are brown above with a white throat, breast, and belly, washed with rusty orange on the flanks and marked with black spots.

Distribution & Habitat

Breeds in central China and Japan, arriving in Japan by April or May. Winters in coastal southern China (including Hainan), northern Laos, and Vietnam, departing breeding grounds around October. Occurs as a passage migrant in Taiwan and is a vagrant in Thailand. Habitats include deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, secondary forest, gardens, and parks.

Behavior & Ecology

Feeds on the ground by scratching through leaf-litter for insects and earthworms; also consumes fruit. Nests are constructed from twigs and moss, bound with mud, and lined with hair and rootlets. Clutches contain 2-5 eggs, incubated for 12–13 days, with a nestling period of 14 days. The species double broods, laying a new clutch soon after the first brood fledges.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0