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.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 148

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 232

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 147

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

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 302

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

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 392

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

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 380

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 312

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 412

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 312

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 224

Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 64

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

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

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 188

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

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 164

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 203

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

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 223

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 72

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List of South African Birds