Orange-headed Thrush

The Orange-headed Thrush has a pale orange head and underparts, contrasting with grey or greenish-brown upperparts. Its wings feature a white patch, and the tail appears dark. The bird has a blackish bill and flesh-coloured legs.

Males and females look noticeably different, with females showing greenish-brown rather than grey on their upperparts. Juveniles have a mottled brown appearance with orange tinges and buff markings, gradually developing adult colouration as they mature.

The Orange-headed Thrush has a rich, melodious song consisting of a series of clear, flute-like notes. Their calls include a soft 'chuk-chuk' when alarmed and a high-pitched 'tsee' contact call.

During the breeding season, males sing from exposed perches, often at dawn and dusk, with songs lasting up to 30 seconds.

• Look for these thrushes in dense, moist forests with thick undergrowth
• Listen for their melodious song, especially at dawn and dusk
• Watch for quick movements on the forest floor as they forage
• Be patient and quiet, as these birds can be easily startled

The Orange-headed Thrush primarily feeds on insects, worms, and other invertebrates found on the forest floor. They also consume a variety of fruits, especially during the non-breeding season.

These birds use their strong bills to probe leaf litter and turn over small stones in search of prey.

The breeding season for Orange-headed Thrushes typically occurs from April to August, coinciding with the monsoon season in much of their range. Males attract females with their melodious songs and elaborate courtship displays.

Nests are cup-shaped structures made of twigs, leaves, and moss, often placed in the forks of trees or dense shrubs. Females usually lay 2-4 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown speckles.

Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately two weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Orange-headed Thrushes are generally shy and secretive, often seen foraging on the forest floor. They hop and run quickly, pausing to listen for prey.

These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, becoming more vocal and visible during the breeding season.

While the Orange-headed Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of its forest habitats.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and preserving its woodland and rainforest habitats across its range.