Groundscraper thrush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Groundscraper thrush
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Turdidae
Genus:	Turdus
Species:	T. litsitsirupa
Binomial name
Turdus litsitsirupa (Smith, 1836)
Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist.
Synonyms
Psophocichla litsitsirupa Cabanis, 1860 Psophocichla litsipsirupa

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

The groundscraper thrush (Turdus litsitsirupa) is a cool bird found in southern and eastern Africa. It belongs to the thrush family, called Turdidae. Thrushes are known for their beautiful songs! This bird was once thought to be the only one of its kind in a different group. But scientists now know it's part of the Turdus genus, which includes many other thrushes.

What Does the Groundscraper Thrush Look Like?

This bird is about 22 to 24 centimeters (around 9 inches) long. It stands tall and has a short tail. Its bill is quite strong and its legs are fairly long. The top part of its body is a plain grey-brown color. It has a pretty chestnut-colored patch on its wings.

The underside of the bird is white with black spots. Its face is white with bold black markings. When it flies, you can see a black and white pattern under its wings. This pattern is easy to spot during its wavy flight. The groundscraper thrush has a slow, whistled song. It also makes a clicking sound.

Where Does the Groundscraper Thrush Live?

The groundscraper thrush lives in different parts of Africa. There are three main types, called subspecies. Each subspecies lives in a slightly different area.

Different Types of Groundscraper Thrush

• T. l. litsitsirupa: This type lives in the most southern areas. You can find it in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It also lives in northern and eastern parts of South Africa.
• T. l. pauciguttata: This type is found in southern Angola, northern Namibia, and northwest Botswana.
• T. l. stierlingae: This type lives in a band across Africa. It stretches from northern Angola to western Tanzania, Malawi, and northwest Mozambique.

This bird can be quite friendly. It often looks for food in parks, gardens, and around picnic spots. Another bird, the Ethiopian thrush (Turdus simensis), is sometimes thought to be a type of groundscraper thrush.

Life Cycle and Nesting

The groundscraper thrush builds a special nest. It is shaped like a cup. The birds use plants and spider-webs to build it. They line the inside with soft feathers or leaves.

Eggs and Incubation

Female groundscraper thrushes usually lay three or four eggs. The eggs are bluish with lilac and red-brown spots. The parents sit on the eggs to keep them warm. This process is called incubation. It takes about 14 to 15 days for the eggs to hatch.