Zoothera neilgherriensis
The Nilgiri Thrush (Zoothera neilgherriensis) is a captivating, medium-sized songbird strictly endemic to the high-elevation shola forests of the Western Ghats in Southern India. Measuring around 26-28 cm in length, its striking plumage features brownish-olive upperparts that transition into bold, crescent-shaped dark brown scales against a whitish background on its underparts, earning it the apt nickname "Scaly Thrush." A prominent white supercilium above a dark eye-stripe, a subtle dark mal...
Primarily inhabits dense, humid montane evergreen forests, known locally as sholas, at elevations typically above 900 meters, preferring areas with thick undergrowth and rich leaf litter.
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as insects, earthworms, and snails, which it finds by probing and gleaning through the forest floor's leaf litter; also consumes small berries and fruits.
The Nilgiri Thrush is a largely diurnal, yet exceptionally secretive bird, often detected more by its haunting song than by sight, particularly during crepuscular hours. It primarily forages on the forest floor, meticulously sifting through leaf litter with its bill and feet to uncover prey. Duri...
The Nilgiri Thrush is a resident, non-migratory species strictly confined to the high-altitude montane evergreen forests, or sholas, of the Western Ghats in Southern India. Its primary distribution includes the Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai Hills, Palani Hills, Brahmagiri, and Baba Budan Hills, spanni...
Least Concern
- Once considered a subspecies of the widespread White's Thrush (Zoothera dauma), it was elevated to full species status in 2008 due to distinct vocalizations and genetic differences. - It is strictly endemic to the shola-grassland ecosystems of the Western Ghats in Southern India, found nowhere ...