Naumann's thrush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Naumann's thrush |
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Turdus
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| Species: |
naumanni
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The Naumann's thrush (Turdus naumanni) is a fascinating bird from the thrush family. These birds make their homes in eastern parts of Asia. You can find them breeding in places like central Siberia, North Manchuria, Amurland, and Sakhalin.
This thrush is a close cousin to another bird called the dusky thrush (T. eunomus). They are so similar that scientists sometimes thought they were the same kind of bird!
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Meet the Naumann's Thrush
Naumann's thrushes love to live in open woodland areas. Their relatives, the dusky thrushes, are a bit tougher. They can live in mountains and at the edge of cold tundra lands.
Where Do They Live?
These birds are big travelers! They are strongly migratory, which means they fly long distances. When winter comes, they head south to places like South Asia and Southeast Asia. They mostly spend their winters in China, Korea, and nearby countries. It's very rare to see one in western Europe.
Life Cycle and Nesting
Naumann's thrushes build their nests in trees. Their nests might look a bit messy on the outside. But inside, they are neatly lined to keep the eggs safe and cozy. A female thrush usually lays about 3 to 5 eggs.
When these birds are migrating or spending the winter, they often fly together. They form small groups or flocks, which helps them stay safe.
What Do They Eat?
Naumann's thrushes are not picky eaters! They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes many different kinds of insects, especially mosquitoes. They also enjoy munching on earthworms and tasty berries.
What Do They Look Like?
This thrush is a medium-sized bird, but it looks quite strong and sturdy. It reminds some people of a smaller version of a fieldfare bird.
One special thing about the Naumann's thrush is its reddish-brown underwing. It also has a pale stripe above its eye, which is called a supercilium.
The Naumann's thrush has a light brown back and head. Its face, chest, and sides have reddish spots. Its rump (the lower back) is also reddish. The belly and the feathers under its tail are white.
In comparison, the dusky thrush looks a bit different. It has a darker brown back and rump. Its face, chest, and side spots are black. Like the Naumann's thrush, its belly and undertail are white.
Boys vs. Girls and Young Birds
Boy and girl Naumann's thrushes look quite similar. However, young birds have patterns that are not as strong or clear as the adult birds.
How Do They Sing?
The song of the Naumann's thrush might sound different from its cousin, the dusky thrush. The dusky thrush has a simple, flute-like or whistling song. Some say it sounds a bit like a redwing bird.
How Did They Get Their Name?
The first part of the bird's scientific name, Turdus, comes from a Latin word. It simply means "thrush."
Both the species name and the English name "Naumann's thrush" honor a German naturalist. His name was Johann Andreas Naumann. He was a scientist who studied nature.
