Species Profile
Orange-headed Thrush
Geokichla citrina
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLength
20–23 cm
Weight
47–67 g
Wingspan
35–40 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Zoothera citrina
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Appearance
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Orange
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
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
Orange-headed Thrushes inhabit moist, tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and well-wooded gardens. They are found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of China.
Some populations in the northern parts of their range undertake altitudinal migrations, moving to lower elevations during winter. In India, they are more commonly seen in the Western Ghats and northeastern states.
Distribution
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Calls & Sounds
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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
Did You Know?
- The Orange-headed Thrush is known for its beautiful song, which has led to its capture for the cage-bird trade in some areas.
- Some populations of this species are known to practice 'anting,' rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly to control parasites.
- Despite their bright colouration, these thrushes can be remarkably well-camouflaged when motionless in dappled forest light.
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