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Bassian Thrush

(Zoothera lunulata)
Size: 27-29 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Bassian Thrushes populate a narrow strip along the south-east coast of Australia, ranging from the ranges just to the west of Brisbane, QLD, in the north, along the NSW coast and eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range through southern VIC to about Adelaide, SA, and the hill ranges to the north of the city, in the south. They are also found all over Tasmania.

Bassian Thrushes are found in rainforest at higher altitudes, e.g. on the Dorrigo Plateau (800-1000 m), whereas Russet-tailed Thrushes are found in rainforest at low elevations.

Sightings

A Bassian Thrush was first spotted by us in July 2009, at Dorrigo National Park, NSW. The bird was foraging in dense leaf litter and stayed close while being observed, relying on its camouflage to protect it. Seen again at the same location in January 2011.

Photos

Lateral view of a Bassian Thrush

Close-up view of the head and upper body of a Bassian Thrush

Food

Like all ground thrushes known to us, Bassian Thrushes feed on small insects, grubs and worms that they find in soft soil or under leaf litter in dense, wet forests.

These pages are largely based on our own observations. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.