Geokichla citrina
The Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) is a strikingly beautiful passerine bird renowned for its vibrant plumage and melodious song. Measuring approximately 21-23 cm in length and weighing 50-65 grams, adults are easily identified by their entirely bright orange head and underparts, contrasting sharply with a slate-grey back and wings. A distinct white patch is visible on the lower belly and vent, while the bill is black-tipped with a yellowish base. While sexual dimorphism is subtle, f...
Found primarily in dense, moist evergreen and deciduous forests, often preferring areas with thick undergrowth and proximity to streams or damp ravines, typically at lower to mid-elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, termites, spiders, and earthworms, supplemented significantly by fruits and berries, especially during the non-breeding season. Forages almost exclusively on the ground by sifting through leaf litter.
This often-shy thrush is primarily diurnal, most active during dawn and dusk, foraging solitarily on the forest floor. It employs a typical thrush foraging strategy, hopping among leaf litter, flicking leaves aside with its bill, and pouncing on uncovered prey, sometimes using 'foot-trembling' to...
The Orange-headed Thrush boasts a wide distribution across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the Himalayan foothills (India, Nepal, Bhutan) eastward through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and into parts of southern China...
Least Concern
- The species' scientific name 'citrina' is Latin for 'citron-colored' or 'lemon-yellow', a direct reference to its striking orange plumage. - Despite its incredibly bright and conspicuous coloration, the Orange-headed Thrush is remarkably difficult to spot due to its secretive nature and prefere...