The Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush (Geokichla citrina cyanotic) is a common small bird in the Turdidae family.
The Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush is mainly grey, with an orange head and orange upperparts. It has a white throat and the sides of its face, with two black stripes running downwards from below the eyes. The female has less orange. It has a white undertail. Its beak is grey, and its legs and feet are brownish-pink.
Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush
It measures about 20 centimetres (8 inches) tall.
The Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush is native to Kerala in India. It prefers woodlands, bamboo forests, parks and gardens, especially shady areas. It is residential, and does not migrate in winter.
It is omnivorous, eating insects, spiders, worms, and fruit. It eats mainly at dawn and dusk.
It does not form flocks or groups, as it is solitary or seen in pairs.
The Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush nests in trees. Both the male and female make the cup-shaped nest from twigs and roots, lined with leaves and moss. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which hatch after 13-14 days. The chicks leave the nest after about 12 days.
Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush
Indian Orange-Headed Ground Thrush
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM