Species Profile

Dusky Thrush

Turdus eunomus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

5–10 years

Length

23–25 cm

Weight

65–90 g

Wingspan

36–40 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

This is a shy, medium to large thrush, similar in size and stance to the common Song Thrush found throughout Europe.

Also known as: Naumann's Thrush

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Appearance

The Dusky Thrush is a medium-sized bird with distinctive plumage. Its upperparts are dark brown, contrasting with a white eyebrow and black-streaked white underparts. The sides of the breast and flanks are marked with bold black crescents.

Both sexes have similar plumage, though females may be slightly duller. Juveniles are browner overall with less distinct markings. In winter, adults develop buff-tipped feathers, giving them a slightly scaly appearance.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Buff
Beak: Black
Legs: Brown

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability85/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance80/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Dusky Thrushes breed in the taiga and tundra regions of eastern Siberia. Their summer habitat includes open coniferous forests, forest edges, and scrubland near water bodies. During winter, they migrate to eastern and southeastern Asia.

In their wintering grounds, they inhabit various habitats, including woodlands, orchards, and agricultural areas. Rare vagrants occasionally appear in western Europe, including the UK, typically during autumn migration.

Distribution

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Diet

The Dusky Thrush primarily feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms, insects, and their larvae. During autumn and winter, it supplements its diet with various berries and fruits. They often forage by probing the ground with their beaks, turning over leaves to find hidden prey.

Behaviour

Dusky Thrushes are often seen foraging on the ground, hopping and running in short bursts while searching for food. During the non-breeding season, they are generally solitary or found in small groups. When alarmed, they often perch upright on exposed branches, bobbing their tails and giving sharp alarm calls.

Calls & Sounds

The Dusky Thrush has a varied vocal repertoire. Its song is a series of flute-like whistles and warbles, often delivered from a high perch. The alarm call is a sharp, harsh 'chack' or 'tuk-tuk-tuk'.

During migration, they frequently give a soft, plaintive 'seep' call, helping to maintain contact within flocks.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from late May to July in their Siberian range. Males establish territories and attract females with melodious songs. Pairs form for the breeding season.

Nests are typically built in trees or shrubs, constructed of twigs, grass, and moss, lined with finer materials. Females lay 4-5 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 13-15 days. Fledglings remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Conservation

While the Dusky Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss in its breeding and wintering grounds poses a potential threat. Climate change may also affect its migration patterns and breeding success. Ongoing monitoring is crucial to detect any population changes.

LCLeast Concern

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Population

Estimated: Unknown

Trend: Unknown

Elevation

Sea level to 3,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, as well as small carnivorous mammals like martens and foxes. Nest predators may include corvids and squirrels.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Dusky Thrushes in open woodlands or at forest edges
Listen for their distinctive 'chack-chack' call, especially during migration
Observe ground-feeding behaviour in fields or grassy areas
In the UK, check coastal areas during autumn migration for rare sightings

Did You Know?

Dusky Thrushes can fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h during migration.
They have been known to form mixed feeding flocks with other thrush species in winter.
Some individuals have been recorded travelling over 5,000 km during their annual migration.