White's Thrush
NameWhite's Thrush
Common NameWhite's Thrush
Scientific NameZoothera aurea
FamilyTurdidae
Wingspan (cm)43
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)150
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly brown on the upperparts with prominent black scaling, giving a 'scaly' appearance. The underparts are white to buff, heavily marked with black crescentic or V-shaped scales, particularly on the breast and flanks. It has a pale eye-ring and a broad black band on the white underwing.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a distinctive, fluty, and mournful whistle, often described as a slow, repeated 'twee-oo... twee-oo...' or 'tseee-oo... tseee-oo...'. Alarm calls are typically harsh 'churr' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across Siberia, East Asia (including Japan, Korea, and northeastern China), and parts of Southeast Asia. It migrates south to winter in southern Asia and Southeast Asia, with occasional vagrants reaching Europe.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive scaled plumage over the entire body, Brown upperparts with black scaling, White to buff underparts with heavy black crescentic markings, Pale eye-ring, Often found foraging on the forest floor
Description
This medium-sized thrush is characterized by its striking scaled plumage, providing excellent camouflage on the forest floor where it primarily forages. It is generally a shy bird, often detected by its distinctive, mournful song rather than by sight.
