Scaly Thrush

Zoothera dauma

Thrushes and Allies · Passeriformes · Rare

The Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma) is a rare thrush found in 16 countries, weighing about 134 g. The scaly thrush is a member of the thrush family Turdidae.

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About the Scaly Thrush

The scaly thrush is a member of the thrush family Turdidae.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The sexes are similar, 27–31 cm long, with black scaling on a paler white or yellowish background. The most striking identification feature in flight is the black band on the white underwings, a feature shared with most other species in the genus Zoothera, and also Siberian thrush in the genus Geokichla. The male has a song which is a loud, far-carrying mechanical whistle, with 5-10 second pauses between each one second long phrase twee...tuuu....tuuu....tuuu.

Where it lives

Recorded as a rare visitor in France.

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a variable species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Scaly Thrush?
The sexes are similar, 27–31 cm long, with black scaling on a paler white or yellowish background. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Scaly Thrush?
The Scaly Thrush is a medium sized bird weighing about 134 g.
Where can you see a Scaly Thrush?
The Scaly Thrush occurs in 16 countries, including India, Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia.
What birds look similar to a Scaly Thrush?
The Scaly Thrush is most easily confused with the Russet-tailed Thrush, the Alpine Thrush and the Long-billed Thrush.

Learn the Scaly Thrush for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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