White-backed Thrush
Turdus kessleri
棕背黑头鸫
Introduction
Species of bird in the thrush family (Turdidae). Endemic to central China, occurring in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, eastern Tibet, and northwestern Yunnan, with scarce winter records from Bhutan, northeasternmost India (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), and eastern Nepal. Resident or short-distance altitudinal migrant, breeding in alpine scrub on rocky sites at 3600–4500 meters altitude, descending to 2100 meters (rarely to 1500 meters) in winter. Large thrush reaching 28 cm in length. Gregarious throughout the year, forming flocks particularly in winter and often associating with dusky thrush and red-throated thrush.
Description
Large thrush, 28 cm long, comparable in size to a mistle thrush. Males have black head, wings, and tail, with pink underparts (dark pink) and pale pink to nearly white mantle and back. Females are similar in pattern but drabber, with dark brown head and pink coloration tinged greyer. Juveniles resemble adult females but have pale streaks on the head.
Identification
Combination of black head, wings, and tail with pink body plumage is distinctive. Males are unmistakable; females may be confused with other thrushes but show the characteristic dark head with pink-tinged grey plumage. Larger and longer-tailed than the superficially similar rosy starling, which has a similar pink and black plumage pattern. Often found in mixed flocks with dusky thrush and red-throated thrush.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds in central China (Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, eastern Tibet, northwestern Yunnan) in alpine scrub on rocky terrain at 3600–4500 meters altitude. Undertakes altitudinal migration in winter, descending to 2100 meters and rarely to 1500 meters. Scarce winter visitor to Bhutan, northeasternmost India (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim), and eastern Nepal.
Behavior & Ecology
Gregarious species, forming flocks particularly in winter but also on breeding grounds. Frequently joins mixed flocks with dusky thrush and red-throated thrush. Omnivorous diet includes insects, earthworms, and berries. Juniper cones are particularly important food source during winter months. No specific breeding information provided.
Conservation
Not assessed in the source text.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
- eBird Code
- whbthr2
Distribution
breeds Himalayas of western China (Gansu to Sichuan); winters to northern India
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.