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Kittacincla malabarica

Kittacincla malabarica

The Malabar Whistling Thrush is a beautiful bird known for its lovely singing. It has shiny blue-black feathers and loves to live in forests, where it can sing its sweet songs.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Kittacincla malabarica is a medium-sized thrush with glossy blue-black plumage, often featuring a vibrant blue patch on its shoulders and forehead. Its bright yellow bill and pinkish-purple legs provide a striking contrast against its dark feathers, making it distinct among forest birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilySylviidaeGenusKittacincla
Kittacincla malabarica
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Kittacincla malabarica

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its scientific name, 'Kittacincla,' means 'whistling bird' – a perfect description of its famous song!

These birds love cold water and are often seen bathing and splashing in mountain streams!

This bird's stunning blue-black feathers almost vanish in the deep shadows of its forest home!

You're much more likely to *hear* this shy bird's beautiful music than you are to actually *see* it!

Special abilities

Ability

Melodic Whistle

Kittacincla malabarica can produce a complex, flute-like song that helps them communicate and attract mates.

Ability

Sound Mimicry

Kittacincla malabarica can imitate sounds of other birds and animals, which helps them confuse predators or defend territory.

Ability

Stream Foraging

Kittacincla malabarica has strong legs and feet that help them hop and run across slippery rocks to find food near streams.

Ability

Secretive Nesting

Kittacincla malabarica can build well-hidden nests in rock crevices or stumps, which helps protect their eggs from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
23-28 cm
Wingspan
38-45 cm
Weight
0.08-0.12 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
16-17 days
Migration Distance
0 km

Diet & Feeding

This bird enjoys a varied diet of insects, worms, and juicy berries found near water.

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Earthworms
  • Snails
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Indian Earthworm

Pheretima posthuma

A primary food source for foraging birds.

eats

Seven-spotted Ladybug

Coccinella septempunctata

Various insects are hunted.

eaten by

Indian Cobra

Naja naja

Predates on eggs and chicks in ground nests.

eaten by

Crested Goshawk

Accipiter trivirgatus

Preys on adult birds.

Traits

Also known as

Malabar Thrush

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Kittacincla malabarica?

23-28 cm

What is Kittacincla malabarica's wingspan?

38-45 cm

How much does Kittacincla malabarica weigh?

0.08-0.12 kg

How long does Kittacincla malabarica live?

5-10 years

What does Kittacincla malabarica eat?

This bird enjoys a varied diet of insects, worms, and juicy berries found near water.

Where is Kittacincla malabarica usually found?

Forests

How does Kittacincla malabarica hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Kittacincla malabarica lay?

2-4

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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