Species Eyebrowed Thrush
Legendary
Eyebrowed Thrush
Eyebrowed Thrush
Turdus obscurus
Legendary · Turdidae

Eyebrowed Thrush

Turdus obscurus

The Eyebrowed Thrush is a rare vagrant to Britain, with sightings typically occurring during the autumn and winter months, often in woodland edges and coastal areas. It is most likely to be seen in the western parts of the country, particularly in areas with coniferous forests.

Habitat
Woodland
When to find it
Rare visitor
Family
Turdidae
Rarity tier
Legendary

Field Identification Guide

Use these features to identify Eyebrowed Thrush in the field.

The Eyebrowed Thrush can be identified by its distinctive white eyebrow stripe, brown back, and pale underside with dark spots, as well as its rounded tail and short legs. Its overall appearance is also characterized by a stout build and a medium-length bill.

The Eyebrowed Thrush is slightly smaller than a Song Thrush, but larger than a Redwing.

Male

The male Eyebrowed Thrush has a brown back, wings, and tail, with a white eyebrow stripe above its eye, and a pale breast and belly with dark spots, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Female

The female Eyebrowed Thrush is similar to the male, with slight variations in the intensity of the colours, but overall, the plumage pattern is the same.

The Eyebrowed Thrush has a distinctive call that sounds like a series of sharp, whistled phrases, often described as a loud, clear "tsee-tsee-tsee" or a melodic whistle.

The Eyebrowed Thrush is a ground-foraging bird that feeds on insects, fruits, and berries, often hopping or running along the forest floor in search of food, and when alarmed, it will take to the skies with a swift, direct flight.

The Eyebrowed Thrush can be confused with other thrush species, such as the Song Thrush or the Redwing, but it can be distinguished by its distinctive white eyebrow stripe and pale underside with dark spots, as well as its overall build and bill shape.

Quick Facts

📏 Size The Eyebrowed Thrush is slightly smaller than a Song Thrush, but larger than a Redwing.
🌿 Habitat Woodland
🕗 Season Rare visitor
🌻 Family Turdidae
📚 Latin name Turdus obscurus
⚖ Similar species The Eyebrowed Thrush can be confused with other thrush species, such as the Song Thrush or the Redwing, but it can be distinguished by its distinctive white eyebrow stripe and pale underside with dark spots, as well as its overall build and bill shape.

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