Nilgiri Thrush
NameNilgiri Thrush
Common NameNilgiri Thrush
Scientific NameZoothera neilgherriensis
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)70
Plumage DetailsDark brown head and upperparts, with a prominent white eye-ring. The underparts are white with heavy black scaling, particularly on the breast and flanks, giving a distinctive scaly pattern. Wings and tail are dark brown.
Vocalization / CallA series of clear, fluty, melancholic whistles, often delivered from a hidden perch. Also produces harsh 'churr' alarm calls.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, specifically the Nilgiri Hills, Palani Hills, Anaimalai Hills, and Brahmagiri Hills.
Identifying Featuresscaled underparts, white eye-ring, dark brown upperparts, shy behavior, ground-foraging
Description
A medium-sized thrush endemic to the Western Ghats of India, characterized by its distinctive scaled underparts. It is a shy, ground-dwelling bird found in dense montane forests, often foraging for invertebrates on the forest floor.
