23-3-2018 MUIZENBERG, CAPE TOWN - CAPE OLIVE THRUSH (Turdus olivaceus ssp. olivaceus)

The Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus) is a robust bird, a common sight in the highlands of Africa. It boasts a length of 24 cm (9.4 in) and a weight tipping the scales at over 101 g (3.6 oz). Its plumage is a muted olive brown across the tail and upperparts, while the underparts are washed with an orange hue, and the belly remains a stark white. A distinctive feature is the throat, speckled with white spots, a detail that bird enthusiasts often seek out with their binoculars.

When observing the Olive Thrush, look for the dull olive brown coloration of the upperparts, contrasting with the orange-tinted underparts and white belly. The white-speckled throat is a key identifier. Note that the subspecies may vary slightly in the balance of white, orange, and brown on their underparts.

The Olive Thrush is a bird of the forest and woodland. It has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to human-altered landscapes and can often be found gracing the parks and large gardens within suburban areas.

This species is widely distributed across the African highlands, from southern Malawi and Mozambique in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south.

The Olive Thrush is known for its nesting habits, with the female constructing a cup nest in a tree or hedge, often 2 to 9 m above the ground. The female also takes on the responsibility of incubating the 1 to 3 eggs, usually 2, for a period of 14 to 15 days until they hatch. The fledglings then take their first flight after another 16 days.

1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE OLIVE THRUSH (Turdus olivaceus ssp. olivaceus)

The olive thrush is, in its range, one of the most common members of the thrush family (Turdidae). It occurs in African highlands from southern Malawi and Mozambique in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. It is a bird of forest and woodland, but has locally adapted to parks and large gardens in suburban areas.

Inhabits Montane forests and coastal forests and scrub. Has adapted well to suburbia.

Found along the eastern part of the Eastern Cape.

Its diet includes Insects and earthworms. Eats fruit in the winter when insects are scarce.

Feeds on the ground, turning over fallen leaves. Tends to keep to cover more than Karoo Thrush, venturing out into the open less often. Sings from perch in tree canopy.

Cape Thushes are Monogamous. Builds a bulky nest on the fork of a tree just below the canopy.