Groundscraper Thrush

Taxobox
name = Groundscraper Thrush
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1

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image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Turdidae
genus = "Psophocichla"
genus_authority = Cabanis, 1860
species = "P. litsitsirupa"
binomial = "Psophocichla litsitsirupa"
binomial_authority = (Smith, 1836)
synonyms = "Psophocichla litsipsirupa" [The specific name is often spelt "litsipsirupa", however "litsitsirupa" is the correct spelling ( [http://www.zoonomen.net/avtax/frame.html Zoonomen] , 2003). The name is of Tswana origin and is imitative of the bird's call.]
"Turdus litsitsirupa"The Groundscraper Thrush ("Psophocichla litsitsirupa") is a passerine bird of southern and eastern Africa belonging to the thrush family Turdidae. It is the only member of the genus "Psophocichla".

It is 22-24 cm long with an erect posture, short tail, heavy bill and fairly long legs. The upperparts are plain grey-brown with a chestnut wing-panel. The underparts are white with black spots and the face is white with bold black markings. The underwing has a black and white pattern which is visible during the undulating flight. The bird has a slow whistled song and a clicking call.

There are four subspecies: "P. l. litsitsirupa" is the most southerly form, occurring from Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique south to northern and eastern parts of South Africa. "P. l. pauciguttatus" is found in southern Angola, northern Namibia and north-west Botswana while "P. l. stierlingae" occurs in a band from northern Angola across to western Tanzania, Malawi and north-west Mozambique. The range of "P. l. simensis" is separated from the others; it inhabits the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The species is found in savannas, grassland and open woodland. It can be tame and will forage in parks, gardens and around picnic sites.

The cup-shaped nest is built using vegetation and spider-webs and is lined with feathers or leaves. Three or four eggs are laid and are incubated for 14 to 15 days. They are bluish with lilac and red-brown spots and blotches.

References

*aut|Sinclair, Ian & Ryan, Peter (2003) "Birds of Africa south of the Sahara", Struik, Cape Town.
*aut|South African Tours " [http://www.southafricantours.co.za/Birding/Birds/groundscraper_thrush.htm Ground Scraper Thrush] "

Footnote