Orange-headed Thrush

Geokichla citrina

Family: Thrushes and Allies · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 20.5–23.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across the Indian subcontinent and from southern China to Indochina, wintering south to mainland Southeast Asia.

Identification

Orange head and underparts with plain grey or brown upperparts distinguish this species from all other thrushes recorded in Singapore. Two subspecies regularly occur: citrina, which has faint brown teardrop markings on the face and a white wingbar, and innotata, which lacks both. Rarely, birds with prominent thick brown facial stripes — more prominent than in citrina — occur; these belong to the aurimacula group and breed in east Asia.

Habitat

Forest and wooded areas, also occasionally in parks.

Behaviour

Forages on the ground for insects but also feeds on fruits.