turdus

Turdus is a genus of passerine birds in the thrush family Turdidae. It comprises a large and widespread group of species commonly known as thrushes. The genus was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, and its species occur across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with the greatest diversity in temperate regions.

Members of Turdus are medium-sized songbirds with rounded bodies, strong legs, and stout bills adapted for omnivory. Plumage is variable, usually brownish or grayish above and paler below, often with a spotted or streaked breast in some species. Notable exceptions include the more uniformly dark European blackbird (male is black) and the orange-breasted American robin.

Ecology and behavior: Turdus thrushes are primarily omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, earthworms, fruit, and berries. They forage mainly on the ground, sometimes in leaf litter. They are known for their musical songs, which often form repeated phrases; both sexes may sing in some species. Nesting occurs in trees or dense shrubs; females typically lay 3–5 eggs, and both parents may help incubate and feed the young. Many species are resident or short-distance migrants, while others undertake long seasonal movements.

Diversity and significance: The genus includes numerous species, such as Turdus migratorius (American robin), Turdus merula (European blackbird), Turdus philomelos (song thrush), Turdus pilaris (fieldfare), and Turdus iliacus (redwing). Turdus species occupy a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to gardens, and many adapt well to human-modified landscapes. Conservation status varies by species, with some common and others threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators on islands.