Groundscraper Thrush

Afrikaans name: Gevlekte Lyster

Photo © Steven Herbert

Psophocichla litsitsirupa

The Groundscraper Thrush is a handsome bird that is normally seen on the ground. It favours areas of short grass (like a lawn) or sparse cover.

The Groundscrpaer Thrush is a bit over 20 cm in length and it makes the most of this by standing very upright.

Their backs are a plain brown but their underparts are covered with striking black markings on white.

The Groundscraper Thrush feeds mainly on insects and spiders.

Despite spending most of their lives on the ground they nest in trees. A cup-shaped nest is made and 2 to 4 eggs are laid. The eggs are speckled brown on a pale blue background.

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References and further reading

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 72

Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 76

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 60

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 156

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 508

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 503

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 316

List of South African Birds