The Siberian Thrush (Geokichla sibirica) is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking plumage and elusive nature. Males have a sleek, dark slate-blue to black upper body with white underparts featuring bold black streaks. Females are more muted in color, with brownish upperparts and a lighter, streaked underside. Both sexes have a distinctive white stripe above the eye, known as a supercilium, which adds to their distinct appearance.
The Siberian Thrush breeds in the dense, mature forests of eastern Siberia and the Russian Far East, preferring coniferous and mixed woodlands with ample undergrowth. During the breeding season, these thrushes are particularly secretive and hard to spot. They undertake long migratory journeys, wintering in Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In their wintering grounds, they adapt to a variety of forested habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests.
Siberian Thrushes are ground foragers, primarily feeding on insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates. They also consume a variety of berries and fruits, particularly during migration and in their winter habitats. These thrushes are known for their shy and reclusive behavior, often staying hidden in dense foliage. Their song is a series of melodious and flute-like notes, which can be heard during the breeding season. Males sing to attract mates and to establish and defend their territories.
The breeding season for the Siberian Thrush occurs from late May to July. They build their nests on the ground or low in shrubs, crafting them from twigs, moss, and leaves, and lining them with softer materials like grass and feathers. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge. The Siberian Thrush is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but habitat loss and deforestation in both breeding and wintering areas pose potential threats to their population. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forest habitats and ensuring safe migratory routes.