Orange-headed Thrush
Geokichla citrina
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Orange-headed Thrush has a pale orange head and underparts, contrasting with grey or greenish-brown upperparts. Its wings feature a white patch, and the tail appears dark. The bird has a blackish bill and flesh-coloured legs.
Males and females look noticeably different, with females showing greenish-brown rather than grey on their upperparts. Juveniles have a mottled brown appearance with orange tinges and buff markings, gradually developing adult colouration as they mature.
Size
Length
20cm to 23cm
Wingspan
35cm to 40cm
Weight
47g to 67g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Orange Blue
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Orange-headed Thrushes inhabit moist, tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, bamboo groves, and well-wooded gardens. They are found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of China.
Some populations in the northern parts of their range undertake altitudinal migrations, moving to lower elevations during winter. In India, they are more commonly seen in the Western Ghats and northeastern states.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,300 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Orange-headed Thrush. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Excellent agility demonstrated through quick hopping and running movements on the forest floor, with the ability to navigate dense undergrowth efficiently. Their capacity to forage whilst moving swiftly between periods of stillness shows remarkable coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength typical for their size category, sufficient for turning over small stones and probing leaf litter for prey. Their medium build (47-60g) suggests average strength for a thrush of their dimensions.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Strong adaptability evidenced by their presence across varied habitats from tropical to subtropical regions, ability to thrive at different elevations (up to 2000m), and seasonal altitudinal migrations. Successfully inhabits both natural forests and well-wooded gardens.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally shy and secretive nature indicates low aggression levels. Whilst they defend their territory during breeding season, they're typically solitary or found in peaceful pairs, showing limited aggressive behaviour.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Good endurance demonstrated through their altitudinal migration capabilities and active foraging behaviour. Their ability to maintain territories and care for young whilst continuing regular feeding activities suggests solid stamina, though not exceptional for their family.
Diet
The Orange-headed Thrush primarily feeds on insects, worms, and other invertebrates found on the forest floor. They also consume a variety of fruits, especially during the non-breeding season.
These birds use their strong bills to probe leaf litter and turn over small stones in search of prey.
Behaviour
Orange-headed Thrushes are generally shy and secretive, often seen foraging on the forest floor. They hop and run quickly, pausing to listen for prey.
These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, becoming more vocal and visible during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Orange-headed Thrush has a rich, melodious song consisting of a series of clear, flute-like notes. Their calls include a soft 'chuk-chuk' when alarmed and a high-pitched 'tsee' contact call.
During the breeding season, males sing from exposed perches, often at dawn and dusk, with songs lasting up to 30 seconds.
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season for Orange-headed Thrushes typically occurs from April to August, coinciding with the monsoon season in much of their range. Males attract females with their melodious songs and elaborate courtship displays.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of twigs, leaves, and moss, often placed in the forks of trees or dense shrubs. Females usually lay 2-4 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13-14 days. Chicks fledge after approximately two weeks but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Orange-headed Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of its forest habitats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and preserving its woodland and rainforest habitats across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for these thrushes in dense, moist forests with thick undergrowth
- Listen for their melodious song, especially at dawn and dusk
- Watch for quick movements on the forest floor as they forage
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds can be easily startled
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Zoothera citrina
Family:
TurdidaePredators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and owls, as well as snakes and small mammals that may raid nests for eggs and chicks.
Did You Know?
- The Orange-headed Thrush is known for its beautiful song, which has led to its capture for the cage-bird trade in some areas.
- Some populations of this species are known to practice 'anting,' rubbing ants on their feathers, possibly to control parasites.
- Despite their bright colouration, these thrushes can be remarkably well-camouflaged when motionless in dappled forest light.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Geokichla citrina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22708375A152676506.
View source - 2 3
report, 2005: del Hoyo et al.
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