Groundscraper thrush

Introduction: As you might expect, groundscraper thrushes (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) inhabit open woodlands with a sparse understorey. However they do favour dense riverine vegetation of the Caprivi Strip as well. Gardens, orchards and playing fields also attracts this species.

Distribution: Locally common in north and central Namibia. Absent from the Namib Desert.
Diet: Forages on the ground in short grass for termites, crickets, beetles, grasshoppers and spiders.

Description: Has black facial patches and heavily spotted underparts. Other features include distinctive wing-flicking and larger and longer bills than members of the Tardus family. Psophocichla is Greek meaning for 'noisy thrush', complemented by the onomatopoeic rendition of the call, 'litsitsirupa', usually a series of grating whistles and notes.
Breeding: Both male and female build a nest made from leaves and lined with weeds and vegetation. Usually 2 to 4 eggs are laid at daily intervals and incubated for up to 15 days.

Size: 20cm.

Weight: 72g.