Dark-sided thrush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dark-sided thrush
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Turdidae
Genus:	Zoothera
Species:	Z. marginata
Binomial name
Zoothera marginata Blyth, 1847
Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist.

Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

The dark-sided thrush (Zoothera marginata) is a type of bird that belongs to the thrush family, called Turdidae. People also know this bird by other names, like the lesser brown thrush or the long-billed ground-thrush. This bird is special because it is monotypic. This means there are no different types or subspecies of the dark-sided thrush. It is closely related to other thrushes in the Zoothera group, such as the long-billed thrush. A scientist named Edward Blyth first described this bird in 1847. He based his description on a bird found in Rakhine, which is in Burma (now called Myanmar).

What Does the Dark-Sided Thrush Look Like?

The dark-sided thrush is about 24 to 25 centimeters (9.4 to 9.8 inches) long. It weighs around 80 grams (2.8 ounces), which is about the same as a small apple. This bird has a very long, dark-colored beak. Its feathers are a mix of dark brown on its head and reddish-brown on its wings.

Around its eyes, it has a white ring, and there's a white stripe near its beak. Its throat and chin are also whitish. When the dark-sided thrush calls, it makes a series of simple, thin whistling sounds.

Where Does the Dark-Sided Thrush Live?

The dark-sided thrush lives in different parts of Asia. You can find it in the eastern Himalayas. There are also populations in the higher areas of Burma, northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the very south of China.

These birds usually stay in one place and do not migrate far. However, they might move to lower areas during the colder winter months. Sometimes, a dark-sided thrush might wander into Bangladesh. They prefer to live in broadleaf forests, especially in damp places or near rocky streams. They also like areas with reeds and bamboo plants. These birds live at altitudes from about 750 to 2,100 meters (2,460 to 6,890 feet) high.

The dark-sided thrush is not a common bird to see. It can be hard to spot because its feathers help it blend in with its surroundings. Also, it tends to be a shy bird, so it often goes unnoticed.