For the next few issues the focus will be on Northern Cape birds in the garden.
The Karoo thrush (Turdus smithi, Afrikaans “geelbeklyster”) was originally lumped with the olive thrush (Turdus olivaceous or “olyflyster”) and many readers may have known this bird by that name.
Both species generally look quite similar, however, genetic and morphological studies showed a separation between “inland” birds and “coastal” birds. Birds above the escarpment (i.e. the inland Karoo thrushes) had more grey on the lower belly and the flanks, a yellower eye-ring, the upper bill being more yellow and the underside feathers at the base of the tail being darker and streaked.
Birds below the escarpment (i.e. the coastal olive thrushes) have more orange on the underbelly, white undertail feathers at the base of the tail, a darker base to the upper part of the bill, a dark eye ring plus a whiter throat.
Their calls and songs, although very similar, have slight variations in notes and phrases. With practise, keen listeners can tell them apart.
The Karoo thrush is found across the entire Karoo region and parts of the Free State and North West.
There are regions where its range overlaps with the olive thrush and hybrids are likely to occur in these areas, but it still has to be confirmed.
These birds are usually the first to start singing as first light appears in the morning.
Their liquid calls are a well-known part of the dawn chorus.
They can then be seen frantically running on lawns and in flower beds, probing the soil for grubs and other insects. They have this curious behaviour of running, stopping, tilting their heads to “listen” for prey and then jabbing their bills into the soil or grass to retrieve a grub or a worm.
They are vigorous fruit eaters. If any tree is bearing fruit you will likely find Karoo thrushes plucking berries or fruit from the branches or fallen fruit on the ground.
During breeding in spring and summer, they have a fascinating courtship display with the males running around with wings bowed and tail fanned out touching the ground trying to attract a female.
Sometimes three to four males will do this in a group and creates a spectacle to watch.
Karoo thrushes are fascinating garden birds and generally become quite tame in garden settings. They will regularly visit bird feeders where fruit is provided.
Take time to listen to these wonderful songsters early in the morning and enjoy their feeding and courtship antics.
– Dr Doug Harebottle, chair of the Gariep Bird Club.) For enquiries, write to birdclubgariep@gmail.com.
