White-backed Thrush
NameWhite-backed Thrush
Common NameWhite-backed Thrush
Scientific NameTurdus hortulorum
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)36
Length (cm)21.5
Weight (g)70
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head, back, and rump, with a paler greyish-white lower back and rump. Wings and tail are darker grey-brown. Underparts are pale greyish-white. Females are duller, browner overall, with a brownish head and upperparts, and a paler, often buffy-white lower back and rump, and buffy-white underparts. The bill is yellowish-orange in males and duller in females.
Vocalization / CallCalls include a sharp 'tseep' or 'tsip'. The song is a series of clear, fluty, melodious phrases, characteristic of many thrushes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in eastern Siberia, northeastern China, and North Korea. Winters in southern China, Indochina, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Identifying FeaturesPale lower back/rump contrasting with darker upperparts, Grey (male) or brownish (female) plumage, Yellowish-orange bill (male) or duller bill (female), Typical thrush shape and ground-foraging behavior
Description
A medium-sized thrush, males are grey with a distinctive pale lower back, while females are browner with a buffy-white lower back. They typically forage on the ground for invertebrates and fruits, inhabiting forests during breeding season and more open areas in winter.
