Bassian Thrush.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Bassian Thrush at nest.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Zoothera lunulata
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Bassian Thrush
Scientific name: Zoothera lunulata
Family: Muscicapidae
Order: Passeriformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Bassian Thrush is a secretive bird. Its plumage is mottled brown to olive-brown, heavily scalloped with black crescent-shaped bars on the back, rump and head. The paler underparts all have brown-black scalloping. It has a white eye-ring. In flight the Bassian Thrush shows a broad dark diagonal bar across the white underside of its wing. This species has also been referred to as White's Thrush, Ground Thrush, and Scaly Thrush.
Similar species
The Bassian Thrush is very similar to the Russet-tailed Thrush, Z. heinei. The latter has slightly brighter rufous upper parts. The tail of the Bassian Thrush is slightly longer.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Bassian Thrush is found predominantly around the south-east of Australia, and also in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.
Habitat
Damp, densely forested areas and gullies are favoured by the Bassian Thrush, usually with a thick canopy overhead and leaf-litter below.
Seasonal movements
Resident, probably sedentary.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Bassian Thrush feeds on the ground, scratching under the leaf-litter for small invertebrates.
Breeding
The Bassian Thrush builds a large, deep, cup-shaped nest in a major tree fork or in a depression on top of a stump. The nest may be quite low or up to about 15 m above the ground. Both parents care for the young.Living with us
Living with humans
The Bassian Thrush is adversely affected by clearing of densely vegetated habitats.
References
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Flegg, J. 2002. Birds of Australia: Photographic Field Guide, 2nd Edition. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. & Poulter, R. 2003. The New Atlas of Australian Birds. Birds Australia, Hawthorn East, Vic.
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Cowling, S.J. (eds) 2006. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 7 (Dunnock to Starlings) Part B Oxford University Press. Melbourne.