Groundscraper thrush

The groundscraper thrush is a fascinating bird native to southern and eastern Africa. It belongs to the thrush family, Turdidae, and is the only member of its genus, Psophocichla. This bird stands out due to its size, measuring approximately 22-24 centimeters in length.

Visually, the groundscraper thrush is notable for its plain grey-brown upperparts, accented by a chestnut wing-panel. Its underparts are white, adorned with striking black spots, and it boasts a distinctive white face with bold black markings. When in flight, its underwings reveal a characteristic black and white pattern. The bird's vocalizations include a slow, whistled song and a clicking call.

There are four subspecies of the groundscraper thrush, each found in different regions of Africa. These subspecies are:

- P. l. litsitsirupa

- P. l. pauciguttata

- P. l. stierlingae

- P. l. simensis

Their habitats range from Namibia to Ethiopia, where they thrive in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Interestingly, you might also spot these birds foraging in more human-centric areas such as parks, gardens, and picnic sites.

In terms of nesting, the groundscraper thrush constructs cup-shaped nests from vegetation and spider webs, lining them with feathers or leaves for extra comfort. The typical clutch consists of three to four bluish eggs, decorated with lilac and red-brown spots and blotches. These eggs are incubated for about 14 to 15 days.