Groundscraper Thrush
Psophocichla litsitsirupa
Woodland. Dark grey-brown above; below white with bold black facial markings and spots; bill black above and orange below; legs pale orange.
Chats, Robins, Thrushes
EN
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Differs from [Spotted Ground-Thrush] in erect stance, absence of white wing-spots and habitat preference. In flight shows chestnut wings. Differs from [Dusky Lark] in grey-brown (not dark brown) upper parts. Calls ‘lip-sitsirupa’ (hence its scientific name) and sings a brisk, melodious song, the phrases continually varied. Occurs singly in open woodland, mixed bushveld, cattle kraals and rural suburbia. Runs briskly and stands upright, flicking one or both wings open momentarily.
Quick Facts
Size
22 cm M
Names
A: Gevlekte Lyster
Z: insansa
G: Akaziendrossel
Bird Family
Largely terrestrial, insectivorous or frugivorous birds that sing from trees, some robins rating as among our finest songsters. The sexes are alike unless otherwise stated, while immatures usually have the feathers of the upperparts pale-edged, the underparts spotted.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Differs from [Spotted Ground-Thrush] in erect stance, absence of white wing-spots and habitat preference. Occurs singly in open woodland, mixed bushveld, cattle kraals and rural suburbia.
